Reflection on Luke 11:15-26 ~
In my restlessness and desire to change the world, what do I “hear.” More often than not, there are distractions to do this or that rather than the will of God. More preferably, I would like to sense grace in the form of pure peace, love, and charity of God. These gifts are our armor against evil, shaped as a compassionate smile or blessed words ablaze in our eyes. We are easily able cast these towards someone in need. I pray that Christ’s love ripples in our actions today as defense and offense in the constant threat of evil. If we do not, we become susceptible to a type of evil that is not subtle. This type contains aggressive waves of vices that consume us.
Jesus Discourses with His Disciples by James Tissot (full resolution) and for more detail at the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 11:15-26 – Scripture*
15 But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.” 16 Others, to test him, kept demanding from him a sign from heaven. 17 But he knew what they were thinking and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house. 18 If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? —for you say that I cast out the demons by Beelzebul. 19 Now if I cast out the demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 20 But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his castle, his property is safe. 22 But when one stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his plunder. 23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
The Return of the Unclean Spirit
24 “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it wanders through waterless regions looking for a resting place, but not finding any, it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ 25 When it comes, it finds it swept and put in order. 26 Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and live there; and the last state of that person is worse than the first.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel reading and considering this Lectio Divina Luke – Luke 11:15-26 Reflection – Love Ripples.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections of the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative payer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 11 Bible passage.
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