Monday, May 21, 2018 7th Week in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: James 3:13-18 Gospel: Mark 9:14-29
When Jesus came down the mountain with Peter, James and John to the place where they had left the disciples, they saw many people around and some teachers of the Law arguing with them. When the people saw Jesus, they were astonished and ran to greet him.
He asked, “What are you arguing about with them?” A man answered him from the crowd, “Master, I brought my son to you for he has a dumb spirit. Whenever the spirit seizes him, it throws him down and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth and becomes stiff all over. I asked your disciples to drive the spirit out, but they could not.”
Jesus replied, “You faithless people. How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to me.” And they brought the boy to him.
As soon as the spirit saw Jesus, it shook and convulsed the boy who fell on the ground and began rolling about, foaming at the mouth. Then Jesus asked the father, “How long has this been happening to him?” He replied, “From childhood. And it has often thrown him into the fire and into the water to destroy him. If you can do anything, have pity on us and help us.”
Jesus said to him, “Why do you say: ‘If you can?’ All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the boy cried out, “I do believe, but help the little faith I have.”
Jesus saw that the crowd was increasing rapidly, so he ordered the evil spirit, “Dumb and deaf spirit, I command you: Leave the boy and never enter him again.” The evil spirit shook and convulsed the boy and with a terrible shriek came out. The boy lay like a corpse and people said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him and the boy stood up.
After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive out the spirit?” And he answered; “Only prayer can drive out this kind, nothing else.”
D@iGITAL EXPERIENCE
Daily Gospel In The
Assimilated Life Experience
I remember a skit depicting the struggle between good and evil. The exorcist drove the evil spirit out using holy water. But it came back, bringing an umbrella. It was only when the exorcist mumbled Latin prayers that the evil spirit scrammed. But it still came back, and when the exorcist mumbled Latin prayers, the evil spirit simply plugged his earphones and listened to loud satanic music.
Comes now today’s Gospel reading. The disciples themselves were bewildered why they could not drive out demons. Jesus recommended prayer. But if we only rattle off phrases like mumbling Latin prayers, the evil spirit won’t budge. Prayer has to become our lifestyle to win the battle against evil. –(Atty.) Rev. Fr. Dan Domingo P. delos Angeles, Jr., D.M.
May comment ka ba sa column ni Father Dan? May tanong ka ba sa kanya?
I-type ang BANDERA REACT <message/ name/age/address> at i-send sa 4467.