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 

Gracious Creator you plant us in families

bound us together by culture and tribe

you made us all your beloved children

and offer to bring healing in every age.

We live in an age of great seismic divisions

where greed is greater than human need

and we ache to find healing and respite

yet we fail to see how we partition ourselves.

You healed the one who cried out to you

forgave whatever sins had been committed

and you promise to heal and forgive us

if we would reach out in love to one another.

Lord help us to be undivided in our loving

make us those who bring people together

draw near and heal and forgive us all

so we might joyfully spread your love today. Amen.