A House Divided

Then they brought to him 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 arrived in Edinburgh, Scotland early yesterday morning, groggy and happy to be here. This is a land that has seen much conflict, full of ancient castles and beautiful scenery. This country is still part of England yet many people ache for self rule. They are very proud of who they are. We left a country severely divided, a government shutdown still rolling along. A house divided. Jesus reminds us division brings ruin. We are called to wake up every morning and follow Jesus by loving our neighbor as ourselves.

Gracious Creator, you are the healing source

teaching us how to be loving neighbors

and giving us your spirit to heal divisions.

We do not listen to your call for justice

we turn away from the suffering we see

and we break the circle when selfish.

Lord Jesus, help us to listen again today

give us your compassion to respond

so our divisions cease and healing reigns. Amen.