James 3:13-18, Psalm 19:8-10, 15, Mark 9:14-29
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"DELIVER US FROM THE EVIL ONE"
"Mute and deaf spirit, I command you: 'Get out of him and never enter him again!' " -Mark 9:25
There are many shocking implications of today's Gospel:
* A demon can possess a child.
* A demon can live in a person for years.
* A demon can re-enter a person if not forbidden to do so.
* A demon can resist the attempts of Jesus' disciples to expel it by exploiting our lack of faith and prayer.
Clearly demons are nothing to be trifled with. A demon even temporarily made Jesus appear a failure when it seemingly killed the boy Jesus had tried to free (Mk 9:26). Undeterred, Jesus took the boy by the hand and helped him to his feet. The demon had not killed the boy, and Jesus was definitely victorious.
Therefore, although we acknowledge the power of Satan and his demons, the One in us is stronger than the one in the world (1 Jn 4:4). We can attack the gates of hell, and they cannot prevail against us (Mt 16:18). We can disarm and despoil Satan (Lk 11:22). We can bring down his strongholds, sophistries, and proud pretensions (2 Cor 10:4-5).
In Jesus, we have the authority and power to make a public show of Satan and lead him off captive (Col 2:15). Obey Jesus, and allow Him to "quickly crush Satan under your feet" (Rm 16:20).
Prayer: Father, may I fully use my authority over Satan.
Promise: "If one of you is wise and understanding, let him show this in practice through a humility filled with good sense." -Jas 3:13
Praise: Anna frequently prays the St. Michael prayer before her older children go out for the evening.
(For a related teaching, order our leaflet, "Do You Renounce Satan?", or our audio tape AV 44-1 or video tape V-44.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from February 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 29, 2011
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
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