A House Divided

Then they brought to Jesus a demoniac who was blind and mute; and he cured him, so that the one who had been mute could speak and see. All the crowds were amazed and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons, that this fellow casts out the demons.” He knew what they were thinking and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property, without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be plundered. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” Matthew 12:22-32 

We live in perilous times, when neighbors seem divided and the sense of community is being eroded. Self-reliance, individual over others and fear seem to be in the water. We divide up quickly over issues. Yet, we are people of one nation, we live side by side with folks with the same needs, and we actually rely on the goodness of others for our survival. If the people aim for love, inclusion and support, nothing can tear them down or divide them.

Jesus is criticzed for healing. The fear that wells up in humans when the unexplained happens is quite stunning. The want to find evil intent. Yet the daily offering from God is always love and healing, refreshment and grace. If we let fear be our motivator we are doomed. We are invited today to let love be our guide, love be our ground of being. 

Today I ask God to let love be the motivation for everything I do. Let us take the side of love and justice, knowing that God will supply strength and companions on our journey of faith.