27th Week in Ord. Time, Friday – 09th October 2020 — Gospel: Lk 11,15-26
Power to build God’s Kingdom
After teaching the Lord’s Prayer, the gospel immediately focuses on the Lord’s power. With the power of God Jesus casts out the demon, the mute man is able to speak, and the crowds are amazed. But debate and skepticism about the work of Jesus follow. This is a conflict of power between two kingdoms: Satan and God. Those who oppose God’s kingdom do not pray as Jesus taught. Rather than asking with trusting confidence, they seek a sign from heaven. Rather than praying for the coming of God’s kingdom, they accuse Jesus of being aligned with the reign of Satan. Rather than asking for forgiveness of their sins, they accuse Jesus of sinning under the influence of the evil one. Rather than praying to be delivered from testing, they put Jesus to the test. The battle between Jesus and Satan is a cosmic struggle. Satan is pictured as a strong man, secure in his castle, yet fully armed and ready to defend his realm. But Jesus is “one stronger than he”, who attacks and overpowers Satan. The victory of Jesus is graphically described as he strips away the armour of Satan’s power and releases those who held in his captivity so that they can enter the kingdom of God. Those who choose to follow Jesus join with him in bringing others into the kingdom, reaping the harvest of salvation. Through prayer they gain Lord’s power to build God’s kingdom. Those who turn away from Jesus influence others to turn away from God, working against the salvation that God desires for all.
