When we read the opening sentence of the Gospel, we might ask ourselves: Why does Jesus cast out an evil spirit? Is it because of the mute man? Or is it to show the onlookers a miracle so that they will believe in him? However, I would like to focus on what followed. Those who witnessed the event reacted in two ways. The evangelist Luke tells us that some of the crowd were amazed. Matthew clarifies the crowd’s speech: ‘Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.’”
But Jesus’ opponents also speak out. Some demand a sign from heaven. They were not interested in Jesus; they wanted to tempt him. Their behavior resembled that of the devil in the desert. If they really wanted to believe, what they had just seen would have been enough. But Jesus does not try to make them believe with another miracle. God calls us to believe, not forces us.
Others of the opponents claimed that he casts out evil spirits by Beelzebub, the prince of demons. They could not question his works, which they themselves had seen, so they claimed that they came from someone other than God. Jesus responded to their words with calm logic. Why would Beelzebub cast out evil spirits and weaken that over which he had gained power? He would be against himself. And if that is the case, the kingdom of the Evil One will not stand. He concludes his argument by asking by whose power their sons cast out evil spirits. But Jesus does not end by refuting their claims. He also tries to direct his opponents to the good news that the kingdom of God has already come.
In conclusion, Jesus tells a mini-parable. We can put ourselves in the place of the strong man of the devil, as a treasure of ourselves, and as a conqueror of Jesus Christ. In many places in the Bible, the devil is spoken of as the ruler of this world, meaning the world of sin. However, with Jesus’ death on the cross, the devil is defeated, and we belong only to God. The lyrics of the song Clap Your Hands More come to mind: “He will now disarm the princes of the earth, and then he will reign.”
At the very end, Jesus says the phrase, “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters!” You might wonder if it would not be nicer to say, “He who is not against me is with me.” Such a phrase would speak of mercy. But Jesus does not mean it that way. He is pointing out two sides here, good and evil. And that is why he says these words, in which case neutrality or another direction is not possible, as one must choose to align with either good or evil in their actions and beliefs. In this story, even though it may seem gloomy at first glance, Jesus gives us hope for the kingdom of God and encourages us to follow it. And not only will the kingdom of God come, but it is already among us.
Young people also carry the wounds of fate, failure, and sad memories deeply imprinted on their souls. “These wounds originate in life’s losses, in frustration at unfulfilled desires, in experiences of discrimination, and in the feeling of not being loved or recognized.” “Furthermore, they are moral wounds, the weight of one’s own mistakes, feelings of guilt for failure.” In these crosses of young people, Jesus is present to offer them his friendship, relief, healing closeness, and the Church wants to be his instrument on this journey towards inner healing and peace of heart.
Prayer: We humbly beseech you, O God, that we may ever more deeply penetrate the Paschal mystery, that we may celebrate the approaching feast of our redemption with true piety. We ask this favor through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, world without end.
