Readings:
Galatians 3: 7-14
Luke 11: 15-26
Reflection:
Jesus is being accused of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of devils. Nothing really new for Jesus as he has grown to expect such accusations and is able to counter them in his own quiet way.
Does this Gospel have a message for us in our times? Sometimes, when I read about the arguments in the Church and the judgements made about Pope Francis, it seems that this same way of behaving and acting is very much alive and creating division. There is a great tendency to demonise the other when we don’t like the message and to question, especially when the message goes against what might be expected. We also see it played out in the culture wars which we witness so often.
Sadly, we see it happening all too often in the Church, in politics, in business and maybe even in our small circle of community and friends so much so that it can sometimes be hard to know where the truth lies and whose version of truth is being promoted.
Personally, I like to believe that everyone is more than their actions which leads me to accept the reality of the flaws in myself and in others while hoping and striving for the more.
John XXIII, whose feast we celebrate today opened the Vatican Council with the hope of renewing the Church. We pray for his intercession that the current Synodal process will take us further along this road of renewal. We are called to live into God’s kingdom now, not as some future dream! Let’s make it real where and when we can, by relying on God’s grace.
Sr. Brigid Murphy CP, Sisters of the Cross & Passion, Melbourne