Today’s Gospel reading does not reveal what happens to this man after deliverance, but we know what is required of us after we are delivered from our sins and addictions to stay within God’s healing grace. For one, we are called to frequent the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which is a type of exorcism. In this sacrament, Jesus grants us the miracle of forgiveness and reconciliation to the Father. In order to maintain such a gift, we must tend to our “swept house” to guard against the same or other sins and demons from returning. Additionally, the Church provides perfect sustenance for us through the Sacrament of the Eucharist. This, coupled with the Steps, is our safeguard against the demons of addiction. Step 10 reminds us to take personal inventory to stay aware and make necessary adjustments. Step 11 ensures that we lead a life of prayer and meditation seeking God’s will and maintaining contact with Him, guarding against our selfish tendencies. Step 12 provides the necessary action of bringing this Good News to others. And when we combine Step 12 with the sacraments, we actively love Christ and others, allowing Christ to claim us—and keep us—for Himself.

Reflection Questions

• How does Christ respond when you ask, “What have You to do with me, Jesus of Nazareth?” Recall a time you found it difficult to accept the authority of Jesus. How did you overcome this?
• How have you experienced deliverance and what do you do to maintain it?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
Gospel: Luke 4:31-37

Reflection by Stephanie N.