Word to the Wise
Friday, October 8, 2021 - Friday in the 27th Week in Ordinary Time
[Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2 and Luke 11:15-26]"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.....But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you." [Luke]
Jesus points out the absurdity of the allegation that he could cast out demons because he himself was a demon. He places the claim in the context of a "kingdom." Why would Satan want to undo his own work? This is a way of looking at life from the broad perspective of an entire world. Who is in charge? Is it the spirit of evil or the spirit of God? There are times when one might think the former has the better hand. Polarization in religious, political or cultural life is rarely helpful, and we witness it in our own country and church at the present time.
The loud voices of polarization, often driven by the attraction of conflict and the desire to dominate, can make it hard to "feel" the finger of God. Images of a "war against..........." are common in the vocabulary of zealous adherents of a particular cause or position. No one can hear anyone else because everyone is shouting. If we want to witness the "kingdom of Beelzebub" we can find it in the constant polarization of things we hold precious - our Church and the political freedoms we enjoy. If we want the kingdom of God to prevail, our example is first and foremost Jesus himself. His kingdom and teachings, lived day after day by faithful Christians, is the best way to find the "finger of God." Polarization diminishes when the most important things are shared rather than fought over. AMEN