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"If it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you."

Luke 11:20

In today's Gospel, Jesus drives a demon from a person. Some in the crowd say Jesus casts out demons by the power of demons. Jesus refutes this, for how can he work for and against Satan at the same time? God's power is working through Jesus by these signs; they demand total commitment—to be with Jesus and never against him. "The Kingdom of God has come upon you."   Demonology has long been part of the Judeo-Christian tradition. A seductive "voice" in Genesis, opposed to God, tempted our "first parents," who then ate the symbolic forbidden fruit. That disobedience, the author wrote, explains why bad things happen. St. Augustine called that "act" the fall from grace: original sin. The church saw in the 'voice" a fallen angel, called Satan or the devil. Satan and his cohort irrevocably rejected God. These demons -- spirits, but still creatures -- roam about this world, wreaking havoc where they can. They are powerful, but not all-powerful. Jesus also warns that if a freed person doesn't begin to live a Godlike life, more so-called demons will take hold.  It's a mystery that God would permit such diabolical activity, such rejection of Himself, but "we know that all things work for good for those who love God" (Romans 8:28). We need only look to the loving God who created us and let His Kingdom grow through us.

What are the demons, sins, addictions, or bad habits I want Jesus to help me break free from?

God, give me the courage to overcome anything that keeps me from the fullness of your life.

Today's Reflection is by:

Fr. Kevin Mackin OFM

Did you know...

Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, of St. Anthony Friary in St. Petersburg, has served in parish ministry and chaplaincy, and as a college president and professor. His articles and books include Enjoying God's Gifts; Get Thee Behind Me, Satan: Rejecting Evil; and Christian Unity: The Next Step 'That They May All Be One.' His website is www.FatherKevin.com.

"[Peter] became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"

Matthew 14:30

As I watched the Summer Olympics "daredevil" events, today's Gospel strikes a chord. Jesus, after feeding an amazed 5,000+ people, went up a mountain that evening to converse with his heavenly Father. Meanwhile, his disciples set sail on the sea of Galilee, only to be awakened in the night by a raging storm. Suddenly, what appears as a ghost walking toward them turns out to be Jesus, who beckons, "It is I; do not be afraid." He bids Peter: "Come." But Peter lost trust in the power of Jesus, and fearful of drowning, cried out: "Lord, save me!" In the boat with Jesus, the disciples calm down, knowing that Jesus is truly the Son of God. Sometimes, we get "off course" in life. We find ourselves trapped in addictions or sins we want to break free from. St. Paul wrote, "What I do, I do not understand. For I do not do what I want but I do what I hate." We need God's help. The more we trust in God, the more we will have the courage to do the right thing. John Newton, the 18th-century sailor and author of "Amazing Grace" put it well: "I'm not what I want to be. I'm not what I ought to be. I'm not what I one day will be. But thank God I'm not what I once was."

What bad habits do I want God to help me break, and what good habits do I want God to help me practice?

Spirit of God, dwelling within me, help me to live courageously the life I know God wants me to live.

Today's Reflection is from:

Fr. Kevin Mackin

Did you know...