A House Divided

Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,” while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Luke 11:14-20

There is something about a storm that makes petty the things we worry about and shows that the only thing we really have is love - and our loved ones. We might now agree on some things and have our quibbles over minor details, but when the tide rises and the winds blow, we remember how much we are blessed and how much we love each other. Being so far away from my family, here in Alaska while they face the monster storm, reminds me how precious they are and how blessed I am by their love. Nothing else matters but their safety and being able to see them whole again.

Jesus cures a man who was unable to speak, he had no voice. His silence was a burden to him and his family and they surely rejoiced when he was well. Others wanted to undermine their joy, wanted to test Jesus and his faithfulness. Love was more important then and as it is now, and the wholeness outweigh any religious correctness. Vanity flies out the window when a love one is troubled and in harm's way. And when safe and healed, nothing should challenge the joy. We are invited to rejoice in all the good blessings that come from God, that originate in the author of love.

A Prayer for All Loved Ones

" Gracious Creator, author of all that is good and lovely, you have blessed us with love and family, and have promised to cover them with your mantle of protection. Hear us now as we cry to you for those in harm's way, both our loved ones and the strangers who are someone's love also. We are totally dependent on you, and give thanks for the abundance of love and healing you bring to us all. Make us ever grateful for the enormous blessings of this life - the loved ones, so precious and beautiful to each of us. Amen"