Anne O’Brien, Deputy CEO: Mission, People & Culture, presents our Gospel Reflections this week and today reads from the Gospel of Luke (11: 15-26), in which Jesus says, “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”

Anne says, Luke ‘s passage today contains three main parts: a confrontation with those questioning Jesus’ authority, the analogy of a divided kingdom, and the return of an unclean spirit. The meaning of these verses encompasses teachings on the nature of Jesus’ power, the importance of unity with God, and the dangers of spiritual complacency.

When Jesus drives out a demon, some bystanders accuse Him of doing so by the power of Beelzebul (another name for the devil). Jesus responds by pointing out the absurdity of this claim: a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. This passage affirms that Jesus’ power is divine, not demonic. His miracles are signs of the arrival of God’s Kingdom and an indication that God’s reign is breaking into the world through Jesus.

This teaches that good works and miracles come from God and not from evil sources. It also affirms the importance of discerning the true source of spiritual power. Jesus’ miracles reveal His divine authority and the presence of God’s Kingdom on earth.

Luke then continues with Jesus putting an analogy of the strong man guards his house; his possessions are safe until someone stronger attacks and overpowers him. Jesus presents Himself as the ‘stronger one’ who defeats the power of evil. This illustrates Jesus’ role as the conqueror of sin and Satan. By His coming, He binds the ‘strong man’ (Satan) and liberates those held captive by sin.

This highlights the power of Jesus over evil and the victory He brings over the forces of darkness.

In closing, Anne says, these verses from Luke, teach us about the divine power of Jesus, the need for vigilance in spiritual matters, and the importance of filling one’s life with God’s grace to safeguard against evil.

Anne invites us to pray that each one of us stays strong in our discernment and aligns with the coming of God’s kingdom as He would want us to.