In today’s gospel account, Jesus is accused of collaborating with Satan because he has cast out a demon. Jesus quickly counters the absurdity of the claim by stating that, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house” (Luke 11:17).

If there is one thing that Satan, the one who accuses, the father of lies, and his demons are unified on, it is to promote disunity, isolation, and chaos. They will seek any way to break through our defenses, our weaknesses, tempt, and mislead, to get us to even doubt the truth. They also seek to isolate us from one another. Here Jesus is healing a person from being possessed and it is made to look like he is in league with the devil.

Jesus reveals the error and builds on it with the truth, “But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you” (Luke 11:20). The kingdom of God reveals and casts out demons, uncovers lies, and reconciles division. Jesus in his perfection comes to purify, cleanse, and to restore the true Father’s original purpose of harmony, oneness, and unity.

The closer that Jesus gets to Jerusalem, the opposition to him appears to be growing. Jesus offers those listening a choice: Recognize him as the Son of God who acts in the name of the Father and join with him, or reject him and side with the enemy. Jesus’ does not leave a middle ground. If one does not decide, “the last condition will be worst than the first” (Luke 11:26). Even those healed by Jesus, if  they do not commit their lives to him and fill themselves with the love of God, there is room for evil to creep back in.

We are given the same choice with each choice we make. Do we take a moment before deciding to ask is this the will of God? Are our thoughts, words, and actions, divisive, hurtful, unkind, or are they unifying, empowering, and loving? If we can admit any ways in which we have turned away from God or chosen any from the list in the first category, the good news is that we can repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. It is important to recognize our need for healing, which helps us to be more prudent, and ask Jesus for forgiveness and help to begin again.

For those choices that land in the second category, let us thank Jesus for working through us. In both ways, we recognize the truth, and we continue to build on the love that Jesus offers. When we trust him, we grow in relationship with him, and can better share the love he offers us with others.

We are free to choose and receive the consequences of our choices. Let us choose to turn away from anything not of God and follow Jesus today. Let us choose to be loved and to love in return.

Photo: Stained glass window in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Poquonock, CT.

Link for the Mass readings for Friday, October 12, 2025