https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012224.cfm
Jesus, the Stronger One, breaks all illusions.
“Hey Eve, if you eat of the tree of good and evil, you will be like God!” What a trick! What deceit? “For God knows that when you eat from it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
These are the words Satan spoke to Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:5). God knew that she and Adam (us) would know good and evil. Satan didn’t say knowing was not only in the head. Knowing good and evil will be in all of life’s experiences.
Evil cannot be in the same room with goodness, and it must do something desperate or make up something to make itself look good. We call that moral relativism or making everything suit me, even at the expense of others. On this day when we pray for the legal protection of unborn children, let us pray for anyone contemplating an abortion or promote abortion.
The scribes in the gospel are making something up about Jesus because the evil in their hearts could not see the goodness in Jesus’ heart “He is possessed by Beelzebul, the prince of demons.”
It is laughable because it is so ridiculous. Assumptions are illusions and lead to division if we don’t check them out. Instead, show respect to someone and be humble to find the truth about something.
Gospel Challenge:
When someone rubs us the wrong way, we save ourselves a lot of trouble chatting with them and trying to understand them. The Strong One, Jesus, Who humbled Himself to become one with us in all we experience will not allow your house (you) to be plundered by evil.
Who do we know will benefit from a healthy chat? It takes courage and trust, and that is all Jesus needs in us to turn something ugly into pure joy. See how strong Jesus can be in you.
Love Your Neighbor:
Please join me in praying for all baptized Catholics to be faithful to Jesus in the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…
Mother Mary, “I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you, I always want to belong completely to Jesus.” The Surrender Novena – InHeartland. https://inheartland.com/pages/the-surrender-novena
Peace be with you.
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
pastor@bscchurch.com
