The Lord in us is stronger than the evil in the world
Read: St. Luke 11:14-23
He was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute person spoke and the crowds were amazed. Some of them said, “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, He drives out demons.” Others, to test him, asked Him for a sign from heaven. But He knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beezlebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with Me is against Me, and whoever does not gather with Me scatters.
Reflect
Jesus is the strong man who attacks and overcomes Satan, who takes away the armor on which he relies and divides the spoils. What then are the spoils that Jesus takes back from Satan? Chiefly, it is souls Jesus takes back. The Lord comes to reclaim human souls from darkness and bring them into His marvelous light. None can withstand His power. The evil one does not have a chance when the Lord comes to reclaim what rightfully belongs to Him. This then is the context for the spiritual combat that you and I are engaged in brothers and sisters. The Lord who is in us is stronger than the evil in the world (1 John 4:4). Remember that the Lord is the strong man who is always victorious, and do not be afraid. May Jesus triumph in and through you.
