Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional and Bible Study – 27th Week in Ordinary time – Friday – Luke 11:15-26

The Gospel reading from the Mass for Friday of the 27th Week of Ordinary Time is Luke 11:15-26.

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.

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) Christ’s warning that division brings collapse (v. 17) is apparent as there are many “Cafeteria Catholics”, including even powerful clergy, who pick and choose what they will accept of the Church’s teaching; this division has led to a accelerating collapse of the Church in many parts of the world. Renew your understanding that there is Only One Truth (CCC 172-175) that is preserved in the Magisterium of the Church (CCC 84-100, 888-892, 2032-2040) and pray for Christ to help you remain unified in the fullness of truth of Christ.

3) 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).  Recommit to the Spiritual Battle (CCC 405-409, 1426, 1707, 2015, 2516) and pray for Christ to arm and help you protect your family against the relentless attacks of Satan.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Sorrowful Mysteries

Daily Devotion – The Passion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ

Virtue of the Day – Faith

Corporal Work of Mercy – To visit the sick

Spiritual Work of Mercy – To forgive all injuries