Immundus spiritus (Lk. 11:24)

 

Sometimes, we realize that we have been struggling with a certain sin in our life.  This sin has been committed over and over again.  Eventually, we resolve to confess it and overcome it.  After confessing it we feel overjoyed, but then we see that the next day we are at the same point as before. 

Although we repented, the demon does not stop tempting us. The more pious we are, the more he comes and attacks with even greater force again and again. The demon is at war against our soul. The devil invites his fellows to fight against our souls. Consequently one day we fall into the same sin again. We give up and prefer not to resist the devil's temptations.

The reading of the gospel encourages us to conquer sin. The tighter we cling to sin, the greater strength we need. Overcoming sin can be quite painful and difficult.  Overcoming sin requires deep spiritual purification and complete submission of our mind and will to God. Without spiritual purification and submission of the will to God, the temptations of the devil will be impossible to overcome.

By Fr. Fransiskus M. Diaz, SVD.

Spiritum daemonii immundi (Lk. 4:33)

 

In today's pericope of the gospel, Jesus moved to Capernaum. He taught on the Sabbath days. The people were amazed to hear His teaching because His words were powerful. Suddenly someone was possessed by a demon. Jesus rebuked him, saying: “Be quiet! “Come out of him!”  the demon obeyed and came out of the man.

It is very surprising that there are some demons in holy places like the synagogue where people gather and pray to God. These demons are waiting for the right moment to seduce humans while they are trying to focus on God.  The demons hate us and want to destroy us. They disturb people's attention to God. Nonetheless, Jesus is victorious over the demons. He casts a demon out of the possessed person and does not let the devil harm him.

When we are getting closer to God, demons will try hard to keep us away from God. We don't need to worry because Jesus has power over all demons. We do not need to be frightened. When the demon's temptation comes, be aware, discern it, and put Jesus in the midst of that temptation. Trust in Him and He will remove the temptation. Keep strong in faith.

By Fr. Fransiskus M. Diaz, SVD.