In today’s Gospel, Jesus is talking about spiritual dangers or harm that we should avoid at all costs. Jesus used the illustration of a strong man whose house and possessions were kept secure. How could such a person be overtaken and robbed of his goods except by someone who is stronger than himself? Satan, who is our foe and the arch-enemy of God, is stronger than we are. Unless we are clothed in God’s strength, we cannot withstand Satan with our own human strength. We need the help of the Holy Spirit.

What does Satan wish to take from us? Our faith and confidence in God and our allegiance to follow God’s law. Satan is a rebel and a liar. Satan can only have power or dominion over us if we listen to his lies and succumb to his will, which is contrary to the will of God. Jesus makes it clear that there are no neutral parties in this world. We are either for Jesus or against him, for the kingdom of God or against it. There are two kingdoms in opposition to one another—the kingdom of God’s light and truth and the kingdom of darkness and deception under the rule of Satan. If we disobey God’s word, we open the door to the power of sin and Satan’s influence in our lives. If we want to live in true freedom from the power of sin and Satan, then our “house”—our mind and heart and whatever we allow to control our appetites and desires—must be occupied and ruled by Jesus Christ where he is enthroned as Lord and Savior. Through Jesus’ death on the cross and his victory over the grave when he rose again on the third day, Satan has been defeated and death has been overcome. We now share in
Christ’s victory over sin and Satan and receive adoption as God’s sons and daughters. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Lord enables us to live a new life of love and freedom from slavery to sin. The Lord Jesus is our refuge and strength because he makes his home with us (John 15:4) and gives us the power and help of the Holy Spirit. Do you take refuge in the Lord and allow him to be the Ruler of your life? Yes, we must always take only Jesus in our lives and follow Him alone.

Let us pray: “Lord Jesus, you are my hope and salvation. Be the ruler of my heart and the master of my home. May there be nothing in my life that is not under your lordship.” Together with St. Thomas the Apostle we shall pray: “My Lord and my God.” I have nothing in this world other than you. I surrender myself wholly at your feet. Take me Lord and make me yours always. Protect me from Satan and all his works. Amen.

Love and Prayers,

Fr. Charley