We must remember Jesus’ words: “Whoever does not gather with Me scatters” (Luke 11:17). Anyone who is not gathering with Jesus in His kingdom is scattering against the work of His kingdom, even if unintentionally. He makes it very clear that there are no neutral parties in this world. We must remain sober and alert so that we do not put on the armor of the evil one. What is the armor with which Satan gains control? Our sin. This is the source of his defensive strength. Step Four through Step 10 deal directly with taking regular inventory of our behavior and being accountable. We must remain humble to know that we cannot overcome our sin without God, lest we fall into the trap of driving the Devil back into our lives.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus brings up another potential danger. He explains that the expelled spirit has the potential to return stronger, rendering the person worse off than before. In Step 11, we “sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.” When we do so, not only do we guard against the possibility of the Devil’s return but we remain reconciled to God. By establishing the Church, Christ made provisions for us through the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist and confession, as well as through Scripture and Tradition. Jesus wants to fill our hearts and minds with the power of His life-giving word and healing love. It is up to us to humbly surrender, seek His will, and actively cooperate with His grace.

Reflection Questions

• How do you guard against your particular temptations when it comes to your spiritual life and recovery? 
• How do you maintain conscious contact with God? With whom do you “gather” to keep away the evil one?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 9:2-3, 6 and 16, 8-9
Gospel: Luke 11:15-26

Reflection by Stephanie N.