Read Hebrews 9:15,24-28, Ps. 98:1-6, Mark 3:22-30
“How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” (Mark 3:23-24)
In our second reading yesterday, St. Paul speaks to the Corinthian Church of the need for them to guard against any form of disunity among them. Today, Jesus having been accused of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub explains that such was not possible because a kingdom divided against itself can never stand. Jesus went further to say that a house divided against itself cannot stand thereby reminding us once again of the importance of unity.
One way to recognize a house or even a Church or any community that is on the verge of collapse is to study its lines of division. Wherever people are divided among themselves, they cannot make progress. Like a broom, its ability to sweep dirt depends on its ability to hold many single strands together.
Put apart, none of the sticks can achieve what the entire broom can achieve. The story of the Tower of Babel is an example of how division prevents progress. When the people could no longer speak or understand themselves in the same language, they abandoned the project that would have made them challenge God’s omnipotence. (Genesis 11:1-9).
If Satan succeeds because of his internal unity, we the body of Christ should not allow disunity to break us apart. When we are united, it is difficult for anyone to destroy us. Jesus says “No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods unless he first binds the strong man.” Is it the case that Jesus is referring to Satan as a strong man? Of course, by strength, Jesus is referring to unity. What makes us strong is our unity.
A perfect example of unity is the three persons in one God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The three persons are so united that even the greatest of all theologians cannot fully explain how the three persons could be different and still one at the same time. Let us be united for unity is power.
For those who accused Jesus of being possessed, he made them understand that by so doing they were blaspheming against the Holy Spirit and therefore guilty of an eternal sin. In moments of distress and sadness, let us be careful of our utterances against God lest we become guilty of the sin of blasphemy.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, teach me to love my neighbor as myself. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Monday of week 3 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Hebrews 9:15,24-28, Ps. 98:1-6, Mark 3:22-30).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu