Luke 11,14-23

March 16, 2023 (Thursday)
Let us all remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Luke 11,14-23
Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the crowds were amazed. Some of them said, “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people drive them out? Therefore, they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on whom he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me I against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”

Reflection:
Each of the Synoptic writers mention the Beelzebul controversy, with some differences. The religious leaders of the Jews could not digest the popular admiration people had developed for Jesus. Having failed to identify ‘the finger of God’ in the words and deeds of Jesus, they try to brand Him as an evil force in collaboration with Beelzebul, the supreme devil. Jesus knew what was in their minds. Jesus gives the example of the fall of a kingdom divided within itself. Evil cannot be expelled by evil, for eventually the kingdom of Satan cannot persist. Jesus makes it clear that everyone has the choice of either with Him or against Him. Nobody can remain neutral in relation to Jesus’ ministry. A person either gathers or scatters. Those who choose Jesus, follow His precepts of love and compassion and gather in the harvest of God’s kingdom. Those who oppose Him sow discord among the people. Chapter 15 of the Gospel of John presents the notion of being united with Jesus for bearing fruits, less the Heavenly Father prunes away the dry and useless branches. Compromising on the principles of Jesus is not merely a sign of laxity, but the sign of a divided kingdom which Jesus warned about. In the ministry of educational service to the poor, the Brothers and their partners are to spread Jesus’ love and compassion to all who come in contact with them, and build the Kingdom of God here on earth. ‘The primary responsibility of the Brothers, and their distinctive to the shared mission, is the witness of a ministerial community living its religious life in fraternal charity and in solidarity with the poor through its educational services.” (R.15/ 02 paragraph)

Lasallian Guiding Principle:
LGP states that, “Lasallian institutions must strive to develop among its members greater recognition of the realities of human suffering and the stewardship role that each share in preserving the integrity of God’s creation and creating a humane and just society.” In fact, in Lasallian perspective “gratuity and generosity” are traits expressed in the willingness to “go the extra mile,” to extend our services beyond what is required without any regard for remuneration. How often do we resolve to live this Lasallian commitment of zeal for service? And like Jesus in the gospel, are we determined to do good and carry out our tasks beyond what is required from us?

Prayer:
Synod on Synodality Prayer

We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us, Make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.
All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.

St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.

St. Miguel Febres Cordero, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sources:
C. (n.d.). Daily Gospel. Retrieved June 22, 2020, from https://dailygospel.org/M/AM/DLSU ITS, DLSU STRATCOM, DLSU IRPA. (n.d.). Guiding Principles of the Philippine Lasallian Family.
Retrieved June 22, 2020, from http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/inside/lasallian-guiding-principles/default.asp

Prepared by Pratik, Sati D., College of Humanities and Sciences- BS Biochemistry Student, through the DLSMHSI Lasallian Mission and Linkages and Advancement, Campus Ministry, and Chaplaincy

Our Daily Lasallian Gospel, Prayer and Reflection is a DLSMHSI gift to the Lasallian family for the 2019 Celebration of the Year of Vocation and the Tercentenary celebration of the death of our founder SJBDLS.
.
https://www.dlshsi.edu.ph/daily-lasallian-reflection-prayer #300LaSalle