Daily Reflection – 1/22/2024
Sacred Scripture
The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said of Jesus, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.” Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand; that is the end of him. But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house. Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.” For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.” (Mark 3:22-30)
Reflection
Our scripture today warns us of the darkness and inherent evil of division. We see it in countries around the world, including the United States. But there is another division that is just as dark and just as dangerous to us.
It’s the division within our selves. It’s when we do not take the time to forgive ourselves for sins of the past; when we don’t take time to build up our own spirit; when we live more often in the past than the future.
All of these, and similar words and actions, attack the integrity of who we are. I believe that when that happens, we are victims of evil.
Think of this. Isn’t it easier for darkness to exist when we ourselves are at odds with our inner selves? A person whose self is “divided” not only becomes an easier mark for darkness but often is one who seeks to spread discontent. If a soul is raging within with discord, that is the type of person who wants to wage war with others.
What do we do if we are in an inner battle? We begin by remembering that no matter who we are, where we live, or the size of our bank account, we are not only a child of God who is loved by Him but also a person known by Him and one who can never truly do something that will separate us from Him.
We remember that through Jesus’ death on the cross and his victory over the grave defeated Satan and death has been overcome. We now share in Christ’s victory over sin and Satan and receive adoption as God’s sons and daughters. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Lord enables us to live a new life of love and freedom from slavery to sin.
Along with that, the Lord Jesus is our refuge and strength because he makes his home with us (John 15:4) and gives us the power and help of the Holy Spirit.
That is the most important part of who we are. Loved by Him and forgiven by Him.
Forgiven by Him.
There are no limits to the mercy of God, God always gives sufficient grace and help to all who humbly call upon him. The Lord is a continual fount of mercy, pardon, grace, and healing.
It is that fount that allows us to move forward and to be whole. Because when we accept His forgiveness and healing, we are enlightened, and burdens are lifted.
We become whole.
If we genuinely want to be the best versions of ourselves, we must learn to accept ourselves as we are. Just as a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand, a human who constantly brings him or herself down simply cannot grow. We must first love ourselves to allow ourselves to grow.
You and I are loved. That gift of His love is enabling. The result of tearing ourselves down is disabling.
Today, heal yourself by going to Him. Let Him heal you and feel His love. Once that is down, stand up and go forth in His love. Watch how many will respond to the love you bear.
God bless you for who you are.
Prayer of The Day
“Lord God, help me to see your love in me. Help me to always hold on to the belief that I reflect you. Protect me from the evil that seeks to separate me from others. Help me to recognize that by walking hand in hand with my brothers and sisters, we can bring about your kingdom on earth.”
Daily Note
Anthony de Mello, a Jesuit priest famous for his books on spirituality, encouraged people to ignore the constant pressure to change which placed on us by society. Instead, he said: “Don’t change to please others. The only growth-promoting change is that which comes from self-acceptance and seeing yourself as a source of love and compassion.”
