Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional and Bible Study – 3rd Week of Lent – Thursday – Luke 11:14-23

After preaching about the need for men to pray with perseverance and promising that God will answer prayers, Christ demonstrates the power of God by miraculously casting a demon out of a mute man. While the people marvel, some murmured among themselves, absurdly accusing Christ as colluding with Beelzebul; “Beelzebul” was a derogatory term (“Lord of Dung”) used by the Jews for the false god of the Philistines, who in reality is Satan.  With this slur, the scoffers attempt to denigrate both the miracle and the Son of Man. Others seek to test Christ further asking for a “sign from Heaven.”

Christ, with omniscience, knows their hidden evil thoughts and decisively rebukes them. Revealing the absurdity of their murmured charge, Christ exposes their illogical accusation by pointing out that Satan does not attack Satan. Turning their attack back on His accusers, Christ demonstrates that their own (your sons) purport to cast out demons and so, using their attack, must also be in league with Satan.

Christ mysteriously reveals His divinity and His triumph in the Spiritual Combat. Satan (strong man), who is powerful (strong, has amor), guards those he has corrupted (his goods) by enticements to sin.  Christ (One stronger) assails (casts out demons) and disarms Satan (takes away armor), setting sinners free to be judged (divided) by Christ. Christ warns that every man must choose to be either with Christ or against Christ (and with Satan). Men who have been liberated by Christ of sins/demons, must give themselves fully to Christ or, in their emptiness, be repossessed by sin/demons.

Awed by Jesus Christ – Son of God, Christ confirms the existence and evil action of Satan in the world and some of the behaviors of demons who prowl the world. Christ is omniscience and “knows” the thoughts of men. Omnipotent, Christ’s miracles reveal that in Him is the “finger of God.”  Divine King, Christ rebukes His would-be attackers and challenges men to choose sides; either the Kingdom of Heaven or the kingdom of Satan. He easily exposes the lack of logic in the minds of His enemies. Divine Teacher, Christ reveals truths about the demonic using memorable examples (“the strong man”).

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1)  Since Eden, men’s sinfulness has been exploited by Satan to tempt them to rebel against God. Be awed by Christ’s absolute and embarrassing rebukes of rebellious men and His complete domination of Satan.

2) Men are built for combat and Christ uses militaristic (strong man, armor, spoils, etc.) terms to call men to the Spiritual Battle (or Spiritual Combat).  During Lent, recommit to the Spiritual Battle (CCC 405-409, 1426, 1707, 2015, 2516) and pray for Christ to arm and protect you against the relentless attacks of Satan.

3) Christ reveals that “He who is not with Me is against Me”; would Christ say that you are with Him? During Lent, pray for Christ to convert your heart and give you the Grace to be 100% “with Him.”

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Luminous Mysteries

Daily Devotion – The Holy Eucharist

Virtue of the Day – Fortitude

Corporal Work of Mercy – To shelter the homeless

Spiritual Work of Mercy – To bear wrongs patiently