Tarsish Marak csc –
Readings: Gal 3: 7-14; Lk 11:15-26
In the gospel reading of today, Jesus drove out a demon and was being questioned by the witnesses. Jesus has the power to do so but people do not understand where Jesus comes from and gets this Power. His real identity is not known by the people. He declares to the crowd, “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”
This statement emphasizes the importance of being connected to him and to one another. Together, our strength is far greater than any demon we face. By placing our faith in God and in each other, we can conquer challenges more effectively than if we try to tackle them alone. Belief in God and in our collective direction brings us closer to him through the power of connectedness.
Jesus’ dying and rising demonstrate that he is not merely a human being; he shares a divine nature with the Father. He affirms, “I and the Father are one. If you know me, you know the one who sent me.” We must take our connection to Jesus seriously, as it is fundamental to our faith. So let us pray that we may always seek him first who alone is the Lord and almighty. Today’s saint, Pope John XXIII wisely stated, “Consult not your fears, but your hopes and your dreams.” Let us strive to connect deeply with Jesus, nurturing a radical faith that seeks him first, for he alone is the Lord and Almighty.