Friday of week 27 in Ordinary Time
Saints Denis, Bishop, and his Companions, Martyrs
Saint John Leonardi, Priest
Gospel: Luke 11:15-26
In today’s Gospel, Jesus reveals His divine authority over the powers of evil. When some accuse Him of casting out demons through the power of Beelzebul, He declares: “If it is through the finger of God that I cast out devils, then know that the Kingdom of God has overtaken you.” Jesus is not simply another powerful person confronting evil; He is the Son of God, whose divinity is stronger than every power that threatens humanity. His presence brings liberation because evil cannot ultimately prevail against the power of God. Jesus describes Himself as the stronger One who overcomes the strong man and takes away his weapons. This gives us a profound reason for confidence: Jesus protects us not merely through His compassion or His human closeness, but through the infinite power of His divinity. Yet His protection does not mean that we will never encounter temptation, suffering, or spiritual struggles. Rather, it means that we are never left to confront them by our own strength. The final warning about the unclean spirit returning to an empty house teaches us something equally important: it is not enough to be freed from evil; our hearts must become a dwelling place for Christ. The safest heart is not simply one from which evil has been expelled, but one in which Christ Himself has been welcomed and allowed to reign. Saints Denis and his companions witnessed this confidence through their martyrdom, while Saint John Leonardi dedicated his life to renewing the Church through fidelity to Christ. Their lives remind us that the strength of discipleship comes not from our ability to resist everything, but from our union with the Lord who has already conquered evil. The closer we remain to Jesus through prayer, His Word, the sacraments, and love, the more deeply we experience the protection of His divine presence. Let’s reflect: Do I face my weaknesses, temptations, and fears relying only on my own strength, or do I allow Christ to dwell so deeply within me that His divine presence becomes my true protection and security?
Don Giorgio