Luke 11: 14-23
Now Jesus 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.
Clearing Out Internal Chaos
In today’s Gospel, the story of Jesus driving out a demon illustrates the need to drive out chaos and impose order—something I naturally appreciate. I thrive on structure. My days begin with a plan: schedules to keep, tasks to check off, and a desire to keep things running smoothly. But, even with all the order, structure, organization in the world, internal chaos still creeps in - overcommitment, doubt, worry, perfectionism, comparison, guilt, fear, resentment. They pull us in different directions and leave us feeling disordered and spiritually scattered.
However, today’s Gospel also reminds us that true order isn’t just about control over our external world. It’s about creating space internally for God to move freely within us. It’s about having a well-ordered heart - prioritizing love, mercy, and justice over distractions, busyness, or the need for validation and aligning our desires, choices, and actions with those priorities. It’s about living lives that reflect a deep sense of clarity, purpose, and an openness to God’s grace rather than just productivity.
Where is chaos ruling your life? Maybe it’s in your habits, your relationships, or even your prayer life. This Lent, what’s one piece of internal chaos you can clear out to create space for God’s presence more fully?
—Jackie Schulte is the Dean of Faculty Formation and a history teacher at Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha, Nebraska.
Prayer
Lord, in this season of Lent,
I come to you with a heart that longs for order but too often clings to control.
Create in me a well-ordered heart, one that reflects your presence, not just my plans.
May this Lent be a time of clearing away the clutter,
so that I may walk more freely with you.
Amen.
—Jackie Schulte
Pray with the Pope
The Holy Father’s Monthly Prayer Intentions Brought to you by Apostleship of Prayer the first Friday of each month.