"Every kingdom
divided against itself
is laid waste,
and a divided
household falls."
(Luke 11:17)
It is important to foster unity in our families, communities, and faith. Working together and staying united in God's mission is essential to building a stronger, more faithful community. Let us trust in God's strength and rely on His authority to overcome the challenges and temptations we face.
Skepticism and doubt can obstruct spiritual growth. We should discern wisely and believe in God's work. Let us recognize God's presence in our lives and respond with faith and gratitude.
A house once strong, with walls of stone,
Now echoes with the seeds we've sown.
Divided hearts, torn at their seams,
Scatter dreams like broken beams.
The kingdom swayed by doubt and strife,
Splinters deep, losing its life.
A single spark, a whispered lie,
Turns unity to a fractured sky.
But hear the call, so firm, so wise,
To mend the cracks, to lift our eyes.
For bonds that break can also heal,
If hearts remember the common weal.
So let us build, and stand as one,
Till battles cease and shadows run.
Together strong, we'll never fall,
A house united conquers all.
Lord Jesus,
You are the cornerstone of our lives, the source of strength and peace. We come to You with humble hearts, seeking Your guidance and grace.
Grant us unity, Lord, in our homes, our communities, and our hearts. May we cast away division and discord and embrace Your call to love and gather in Your holy name. Strengthen us in faith, that we may stand firm against the forces of separation. When doubt creeps in, let Your light shine upon us, and remind us that with You, no kingdom will fall, no household will fail. Help us to reflect Your love, To be peacemakers and builders of harmony, and to live as witnesses of Your eternal truth.
We surrender all to Your will, Lord Jesus, For we know that only in You can we find true unity and everlasting peace.
Amen
Pericope:
V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative
JESUS AND BEELZEBUL
Luke 11:14-23
Gospel Acclamation
Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart, for I am gracious and merciful.
Gospel | Luke 11:14-23
14 Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the crowds were amazed. 15 Some of them said, “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” 16 Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. 17 But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. 18 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. 19 If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 20 But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. 22 But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. 23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
