October 13, 2023, Friday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time-A
Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2
Psalm 9
Luke 11:15-26
“If it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons…” Luke 11:20
Lord, in your word today we read that your divine spirit was more powerful than the demon that possessed a man who was mute. Today we no longer believe that demonic powers cause this condition. But demons do exist and we seek your protection from them. But what about the demons we invite into our lives or those we accept or even encourage? The demon of pride is powerful. The demon of greed can possess us. The demon of power and control can be devastating to marriages, families and even nations. Lord, what demons do I tolerate or hang on to? What demons separate me from receiving the life you promise? Try as I might, they resist my efforts to be driven out. Please help me, Jesus! Turn my heart and mind to you today in small, simple ways. I release my grip on the demons that possess me and surrender in faith to your power. Drive them out and tell them to stay out so I can live as your faithful child free from all that harms me. Amen.