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.
Please share the Good Word with your friends!
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