列印＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊
Jeremiah 7:23-28
One thing I did command them:
Listen to my voice and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in the way I command you and all will be well with you. But they did not listen and paid no attention; they followed the bad habits of their stubborn heart and turned away from me.
From the time I brought their forebearers out of Egypt until this day I have continually sent them my servants, the prophets, but this stiff-necked people did not listen. They paid no attention and were worse than their forebearers.
You may say all these things to them but they will not listen; you will call them but they will not answer. This is a nation that did not obey Yahweh and refused to be disciplined; truth has perished and is no longer heard from their lips.
Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊
Luke 11:14-23
One day Jesus was driving out a dumb demon. When the demon had been driven out, the mute person could speak, and the people were amazed. Yet some of them said, “He drives out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the chief of the demons.” So others wanted to put him to the test by asking him for a heavenly sign.
But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every nation divided by civil war is on the road to ruin, and will fall. If Satan also is divided, his empire is coming to an end. How can you say that I drive out demons by calling upon Beelzebul? If I drive them out by Beelzebul, by whom do your fellow members drive out demons? They will be your judge, then.
But suppose I drive out demons by the finger of God; would not this mean that the kingdom of God has come upon you? As long as the strong and armed man guards his house, his goods are safe. But when a stronger one attacks and overcomes him, the challenger takes away all the weapons he relied on and disposes of his spoils.
Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me, scatters.
Gospel Reflection：
Jesus’ ministry of expelling demons that brought sickness to the host and thereby healing the latter catches so much attention. In a society where medical knowledge is not yet extensive, and the belief of evil spirits abound, what Jesus is doing is nothing short of spectacular.
Thus, it generated intense scrutiny on the part of the people. Many doubt that His power comes from God. They attributed it to Beelzebul, the prince of demons. This makes Jesus the agent of the devil. Others want for a sign.
The pressure for Jesus to clarify Himself is too much. But He did not descend to the level of a performer. He did not validate His credentials by performing signs and wonders. Instead, He made them think. If Satan works against himself, he will be weakened. If someone genuinely overcomes Satan, then he or she who overcomes is the stronger. Jesus showed that He has power over evil spirits.
And if His power does not come from Satan, then it comes from the enemy of Satan which is God.