Now he was casting out a demon that was mute; when the demon had gone out, the one who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.” Others, to test him, kept demanding from him a sign from heaven.
But he knew what they were thinking and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house. If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? —for you say that I cast out the demons by Beelzebul. Now if I cast out the demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you.
When a strong man, fully armed, guards his castle, his property is safe. But when one stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his plunder. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved. http://www.usccb.org/bible/approved-translations
(Reflecting on today’s gospel, Sean Hairston chose to write this poem.)
Like bullying you have a choice
Upstander or bystander
By the end they’re just words
It’s your actions
that reflect who you are
Not the fancy stuff
Not the money or cars
Be the person one can depend on
Not the one who calls people peons
Look at your self
Your own personal reflection
Don’t be called the rumors
I can’t speak for you
But I can speak for me
If I could not speak
Then I can still dream
Shine the light on all
And show them a holy way
Show them community
And teach them how to play
Just speak up.
—Sean Hairston, class of 2017, St. Martin de Porres High School, Cleveland OH
“Today’s world stands in great need of witnesses, not so much of teachers but rather of witnesses. It’s not so much about speaking, but rather speaking with our whole lives.”
—Pope Francis, May 18, 2013.
Today’s world stands in great need of witnesses. It’s not so much about speaking, but rather speaking with our whole lives. —Pope Francis, May 18, 2013.
“Today’s world stands in great need of witnesses, not so much of teachers but rather of witnesses. It’s not so much about speaking, but rather speaking with our whole lives.”
—Pope Francis, May 18, 2013.
(Reflecting on today’s gospel, Sean Hairston chose to write this poem.)
Like bullying you have a choice
Upstander or bystander
By the end they’re just words
It’s your actions
that reflect who you are
Not the fancy stuff
Not the money or cars
Be the person one can depend on
Not the one who calls people peons
Look at your self
Your own personal reflection
Don’t be called the rumors
I can’t speak for you
But I can speak for me
If I could not speak
Then I can still dream
Shine the light on all
And show them a holy way
Show them community
And teach them how to play
Just speak up.
—Sean Hairston, class of 2017, St. Martin de Porres High School, Cleveland OH
Now he was casting out a demon that was mute; when the demon had gone out, the one who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.” Others, to test him, kept demanding from him a sign from heaven.
But he knew what they were thinking and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house. If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? —for you say that I cast out the demons by Beelzebul. Now if I cast out the demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you.
When a strong man, fully armed, guards his castle, his property is safe. But when one stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his plunder. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved. http://www.usccb.org/bible/approved-translations
Jesuit Prayer is pleased to offer candles for special occasions such as “Remembrance, joys, sorrows, anniversaries, and special intentions.” Proceeds help keep Jesuit Prayer free for all users.
REGISTER your free account to get started, and you'll get a free 30 days candle just for signing up.
LOGIN to access your candles
Welcome to JesuitPrayer.org
Ignatian spirituality reminds us that God pursues us in the routines of our home and work life, and in the hopes and fears of life's challenges. The founder of the Jesuits, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, created the Spiritual Exercises to deepen our relationship with Christ and to move our contemplation into service. May this prayer site anchor your day and strengthen your resolve to remember what truly matters.
 |
 |
Visit our Social Media |
It is through the generosity of our benefactors that we are able to offer JesuitPrayer.org free of charge.
Would you consider a donation?
English
Spanish
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
Filipino
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
