Homily for Friday of the Twenty-seventh week in Ordinary Time (Year 2).
Today’s Gospel passage begins with a question of discernment. Where does the power that Jesus manifests in his actions come from? From God or from Beelzebul? Jesus drives out demons, and his response seems to me like a “rule for discernment” that Jesus suggests in another passage: “Every good tree produces good fruit, and every bad tree produces bad fruit… Thus, by their fruits you will recognize them” (Mt 7:16-20).
Faithfulness to Jesus, lived with integrity, gives us a stability and a peace that allows for growth. Jesus creates a peace in which life can flourish. Even if the circumstances surrounding us are marked by disorder and conflict, we must try to maintain that inner peace which is the sign of the Holy Spirit. The final words of the Gospel, however, warn us not to confuse an empty space with the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is not enough to eliminate demons. We must also invite the Lord Jesus to take up residence in our home.
He is the source of life, and the Gospel also contains the most fundamental question for discernment of all: are we with him or against him? “Whoever does not gather with me scatters,” says the Lord. But whoever is with him will find eternal life.
Readings: Gal 3:7-14, Luke 11:15-26
Original: Italian
October 11, 2024
Gregorian University Chapel
Rome
