THE WORD TO THE WISE (FAILURE TO SEND)

[RB Williams, OP]

Friday, October 10, 2025 - Friday in the 27th Week in Ordinary Time

[Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2 and Luke 11:15-26]

"When an unclean spirit goes out of someone, it roams through arid regions searching for rest but, finding none, it says,'I shall return to my home from which I came.' But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there, and the last condition of that person is worse than the first." [Luke]

     The gospel scripture for today is about more than Jesus' power to expel demons.  His power to do this comes from the Father who sent him, and not from Satan, as some in the crowd claim.  What may escape attention, if one pays too much attention to the fascinating subject of exorcism, is the effort to maintain the recovery.

     It is well known to addiction counselors that when a person who manages to overcome a sinful habit begins to take the recovery  for granted and believes that he or she is free and does not have to be on guard, will discover, to their dismay, that the sinful habit can come roaring back.  A lifetime of maintenance is required with the strength that comes from God.  The colorful accounts of exorcisms in the gospels should not blind us to the modern addictions brought on by drugs, pornography, consumer habits, etc..  Overcoming the demon and keeping it away requires more than frequent confession.  One must reach out to the community of resources that can help.  These may indeed be God's instruments of healing.  One can turn an unhealthy sense of shame into a demon that prevents healing!!!

     The community of faith is the Body of Christ that contains not only the essential celebration of sacramental life, but also the dedicated members who can help keep unwelcome demons away!  AMEN