“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”
Daily Reflections
Friday, 13th October 2017,
Twenty Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Joel 1: 13-15; 2: 1-2
Ps 9: 2-3, 6, 8-9, 16 (R) 9;
Lk 11: 15-26.
RECOGNIZING THE POWER OF GOD
Jesus has been rejected, denied, and cursed by most men. Yet there is enormous evidence that He is just the one He claimed to be. When Jesus forgave the sins of the paralytic, the Jewish leaders accused him of blasphemy; when a sinful woman anointed Jesus, a Pharisee was upset that he allowed such a woman to touch him. When he cast out a demon from the mute man the people responded with hard hearts.
In the Gospel passage of today Jesus says “If it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you”. Jesus presents illustrations to make known to the people that he is the Messiah:
• A kingdom and a house - He claimed to be of another kingdom and house than that of Satan.
• Religious exorcist - He claimed the right to be respected, at least as much as other ministers.
• The finger of God - He claimed to possess the power to usher in the kingdom of God.
• A stronger man - He claimed to be stronger than Satan.
• An empty house - He claimed that a man must empty himself of sin and be in filled with His very presence.
How do we respond to the signs of God’s saving power in our lives and in the lives of others? The saving works of God demand a response from us. Are we going to turn to the Lord and believe?
Prayer: Father, teach us to recognize your work and power in the world and to turn you in faith. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.