27th Week in Ordinary Time : Friday 11th October 2019

The Israelites were invited to put on sackcloth and ashes to lament the ruin of the nation. Social injustice, contempt for the poor, and idolatry had taken their toll and the nation was on the brink of disaster. Joel hopes that this ‘shock therapy’ will bring the Israelites to their senses and return them to God’s ways. Behind his warning lurked something frightening on the horizon — the Day of the Lord.

On this day, the nation would have to give account for its actions. It would not be a pretty or consoling day, but all who called on the name of the Lord would be saved. This message would be carried forward to the pages of the New Testament and applied to Jesus.

The Pharisees admitted that Jesus cast out demons, but they accused him of doing so with the aid of the prince of demons, Beelzebul. Jesus pointed out the absurdity of this claim. Any power divided against itself cannot stand. Satan cannot cast out Satan. Jesus insisted that his exorcisms were a sign of the presence of God’s kingdom or reign.

Let us not be cynical by interpreting the good that people do in negative ways. Wherever deeds of kindness, compassion, pursuit of the common good are done, the kingdom of God is present. Let us join with our own words and deeds.

Lord, may I always rejoice in the good deeds and words of others.