Every Kingdom Divided Against Itself

Friday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time

By Melanie Rigney

Christ ransomed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written, Cursed by everyone who hangs on a tree, that the blessing of Abraham might be extended to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” (Job 40:3-5)

The Lord will remember his covenant for ever. (Psalms 111:5)

When Jesus had driven out a demon, some of the crowd 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.” (Luke 11:15-17)

Piety

Lord, I strive to make my life and my ways a kingdom devoted to one: You.

Study

Driven out any demons lately?

Maybe it’s that cookie at the coffee shop or the difficulty in staying loving when your children are driving you crazy or that person in your prayer group to whom you’d just like to say, “Get to the point already.” But it happens. We can conquer demons. We do it frequently.

The challenge is that often, there’s another, similar demon that remains. Maybe you’re successfully resisting the cookie, but then there’s that third glass of wine in the evening. Maybe you’re doing well with not yelling at your children, but with people who cut you off in traffic, well, that’s another story. Maybe you’re controlling your tongue in prayer group, but at work, forget about THINK (Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it inspiring? Is it necessary? Is it kind?) before you speak.

Demons. That’s the problem. They have a tendency to change forms and hang around. Living a consistent, faith-filled life in all situations, even with Christ’s help, can be difficult. But it’s the only way to keep the kingdom undivided against itself.

Action

Identify one demon in your life that is popping up in several situations. Speak with a priest, spiritual adviser, or trusted friend about ways you can drive it out for good.