Christian Art | Kingdom Of God | Kingdom Of Satan
Luke 11: 15-26 – Week 27 Ordinary Time, Friday – also Lent Thursday 3 – partial( King James Audio Bible KJV, Spoken Word – King James Version)
15 But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.
16 And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.
17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.
18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
19 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.
20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
21 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:
22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.
26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.
Jesus has come to break Satan’s hold – on the people of Jesus’ time and for all time. Accused by some of being a servant to Beelzebub, Jesus exposes the error and absurdity of what his accusers are saying. If Satan casts out Satan, then Satan is divided against himself and his house falls – he self-destructs.
Jesus is stronger than Satan, and infinitely so. Jesus has come to reclaim what Satan has but temporarily claimed for himself, and Jesus is irresistible. Jesus is truth. The truth sets us free. The demons, creatures of filth and lies, can only retreat in Jesus’ presence.
Yet there is a danger, a warning that a person, once healed by Jesus, can return to Satan’s grasp, which then can be stronger than ever. As we find ourselves walking in the light, we must remain alert for the work of the Devil, who prowls like a roaring lion, seeking one to devour. Our vigilance is called for. May we never become complacent as we celebrate our being in Jesus’ light.
Concluding Prayer
Almighty Father,
let yor light so penetrate our minds,
that walking by your commandments
we may always follow you, our leader and guide.
We make our prayer through our Lord.
King James Audio Bible | Endnotes
Kingdom Of Heaven
Jesus responds to accusations that he is casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of demons. Jesus counters that a house divided against itself cannot stand, and that if he is casting out demons by the power of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon them.
The Kingdom of Heaven has been understood in a variety of ways by Christians. Some have seen it as a future, apocalyptic event, in which God will finally establish his reign over all things. This view has been influential in many forms of Christian eschatology, including the popular Left Behind series of books.
Others have seen the Kingdom of Heaven as a present reality that can be experienced in the here and now. This view has been influenced by the teachings of Saint Augustine, who saw the Kingdom of Heaven as a spiritual reality that exists within the hearts of believers. Saint Augustine wrote: ‘The kingdom of heaven is within us when we love God and neighbor, when we rejoice in the truth, and when we live in peace and unity with one another.’
Martin Luther, a Protestant, saw the Kingdom of Heaven as a present reality that is experienced through faith in Jesus Christ. Luther wrote: ‘The kingdom of heaven is nothing else than faith and the knowledge of Christ. For Christ himself is the kingdom of heaven.’
One of the most interesting and challenging aspects of the Kingdom of Heaven is its relationship to social and political action. Some have interpreted it in a strictly spiritual sense, emphasizing personal salvation and the pursuit of holiness. Others have seen it as a call to work for justice and righteousness in the world, and to strive to build a society that reflects the values of the Kingdom.
Pope Francis has spoken extensively about the Kingdom of Heaven throughout his pontificate. In his 2013 apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis writes that ‘the Kingdom is not an exclusive domain of the Church’ but rather ‘precedes and transcends the Church’. Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of working towards a more just and peaceful world, saying that ‘the Gospel is not merely about our personal relationship with God; it also demands social engagement and a commitment to building a more just and fraternal world’.
Pope Francis has also emphasized the need for humility and simplicity in our pursuit of the Kingdom of Heaven. In his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si, he writes: ‘The Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit’ Pope Francis urges Christians to adopt a simpler, more sustainable way of life that is in harmony with God’s creation.
In addition to his writings, Pope Francis has also lived out his commitment to the Kingdom of Heaven through his actions. He has been a strong advocate for social justice, speaking out against poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. He has also worked to build bridges between different religions and cultures, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation in building a more peaceful world.
YouTube: Ash Wednesday | T.S. Eliot | Audio Christian Poetry | Word Aloud Ash Wednesday, one of T.S. Eliot’s most profound and enigmatic poems, marks a significant transition in his life and work. Written in 1930, it is the first long poem Eliot composed after his conversion to Anglicanism in 1927. The poem, often considered one of Eliot’s masterpieces, delves into themes of faith, redemption, and spiritual struggle. It reflects the poet’s personal journey towards spiritual enlightenment and serves as a testament to his newfound religious beliefs. A reading of Ash Wednesday is an exploration of the poem’s religious, literary, and personal contexts, as of the poem’s complex structure and themes. Religious Context And Symbolism Ash Wednesday is deeply embedded in Christian symbolism and tradition. The title refers to the first day of Lent in the Christian liturgical calendar, a day marked by penance, fasting, and prayer. Ash Wednesday is a time for reflection on mortality and repentance, themes that are intricately woven throughout the poem. Eliot’s conversion to Anglicanism profoundly influenced his writing; ‘Ash Wednesday’ is an expression of spiritual awakening and quest for redemption. The poem is replete with religious imagery and references, drawing on Christian doctrine and scripture. The use of liturgical language, biblical allusions, and references to saints and spiritual figures creates a tapestry of faith that invites readers to contemplate deep spiritual truths with which Eliot is grappling. The repetitive and prayer-like quality of the verses echoes meditative practices of the faithful, in part enabling the contemplative nature of the poem. Literary Influences And Techniques T.S. Eliot was a master of literary allusion and technique, and Ash Wednesday expresses Eliot’s ability to blend various influences into a cohesive whole. The poem reflects the influence of Dante, particularly The Divine Comedy, which Eliot admired for its exploration of spiritual ascent and redemption. Dante’s journey through Hell, Purgatory and Heaven parallels Eliot’s own spiritual journey, and the structure of Ash Wednesday can be seen as a reflection of this pilgrimage. Eliot’s use of fragmented narrative, a hallmark of his earlier work such as The Waste Land, is also present in Ash Wednesday. However, in this poem, the fragmentation serves a different purpose. Instead of depicting the disintegration of modern society, it mirrors the fragmented and often painful process of spiritual rebirth. The disjointed structure reflects the internal struggle of the speaker, who is torn between the pull of worldly desires and the aspiration for divine grace. The poem’s language is rich and varied, combining the lyrical and the obscure, the personal and the universal. Eliot employs a range of poetic forms and devices, including free verse, rhyme and meter, to convey the tumultuous journey of faith. The shifting tone and style reflect the complexities and contradictions inherent in the spiritual quest, capturing moments of doubt, despair, hope, and transcendence. Personal Significance Ash Wednesday is a deeply personal work. Eliot’s conversion to Anglicanism marked a profound shift in his life, providing a sense of purpose and direction that had been missing. The poem can be read as a reflection of Eliot’s own struggles with faith and his efforts to reconcile his intellectual skepticism with his desire for spiritual certainty. Eliot’s personal experiences, including his troubled marriage and professional pressures, also inform the poem. Themes of renunciation and acceptance, sin and redemption, are not merely abstract concepts but lived realities for the poet. This personal dimension adds a layer of intimacy and urgency to the poem, which thereby resonates with readers who have faced their own spiritual crises. Thematic Exploration At its core, Ash Wednesday is a meditation on the possibility of spiritual renewal in a world that often seems devoid of meaning. The poem grapples with the tension between faith and doubt, reflecting the existential struggles of modernity. The poem acknowledges the difficulties of maintaining belief in an age of skepticism but ultimately affirms the possibility of redemption and grace. The central theme of renunciation is explored through imagery of ascension and purification. The speaker’s journey is marked by a series of renunciations, symbolizing the shedding of earthly attachments in pursuit of spiritual truth. This process is neither straightforward nor easy; it involves moments of intense struggle and introspection. Yet, through this arduous journey, the speaker moves closer to a state of spiritual clarity and acceptance. Ash Wednesday | T. S. Eliot Because I do not hope to turn again Because I do not hope Because I do not hope to turn Desiring this man’s gift and that man’s scope I no longer strive to strive towards such things (Why should the agèd eagle stretch its wings?) Why should I mourn The vanished power of the usual reign? Because I do not hope to know The infirm glory of the positive hour Because I do not think Because I know I shall not know The one veritable transitory power Because I cannot drink There, where trees flower, and springs flow, for there is nothing again Because I know that time is always time And place is always and only place And what is actual is actual only for one time And only for one place I rejoice that things are as they are and I renounce the blessèd face And renounce the voice Because I cannot hope to turn again Consequently I rejoice, having to construct something Upon which to rejoice And pray to God to have mercy upon us And pray that I may forget These matters that with myself I too much discuss Too much explain Because I do not hope to turn again Let these words answer For what is done, not to be done again May the judgement not be too heavy upon us Because these wings are no longer wings to fly But merely vans to beat the air The air which is now thoroughly small and dry Smaller and dryer than the will Teach us to care and not to care Teach us to sit still. Pray for us sinners now […]
Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives on a number of occasions to pray. It is good for us now to witness Jesus praying. When we pray, we pray with Jesus and according to his example [ … ]
Jesus teaches this invitation to deeper prayer. Jesus calls us to pray from the heart, in humility and intimacy with the Father. Take a moment to quiet your mind and open your heart. I invite the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts. How can my prayer life be more in tune with God’s will?
