Friday 11 October 2024

Today is Friday the 11th of October in the 27th week of Ordinary Time. The Cape Town Camerata sings Ukuthula. ‘Peace in this world of sin the blood of Jesus brings. Redemption in this world of sin the blood of Jesus brings.’ Ukuthula kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ ukuthula Usindiso kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ usindiso Ukubonga kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ ukubonga Ukukholwa kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ ukukholwa Ukunqoba kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ ukunqoba Induduzo kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ induduzo Peace in this world of sin (Halleluja) the blood of Jesus brings peace Redemption in this world of sin (Hallelujah) the blood of Jesus brings redemption Praise (gratefulness) in this world of sin (Hallelujah) the blood of Jesus brings praise (gratefulness) Faith in this world of sin (Hallelujah) the blood of Jesus brings Victory in this world of sin (Hallelujah) the blood of Jesus brings Comfort in this world of sin (Hallelujah) the blood of Jesus brings Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 11:15-26 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 armour in which he trusted and divides his plunder. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. ‘Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house.’ Reflect on Jesus’ words here for a moment… Is there a divided kingdom you long to pray for today? Perhaps in the world…perhaps in yourself… ‘But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you’. We reflect on the power of Jesus; a power that brings restoration. A power that brings everything back into order. How do you notice the kingdom arriving around you today? What is being made new around you? As you listen to the passage again, notice those who are testing Jesus… How do you feel about their demands for signs? ‘But [Jesus] knew what they were thinking…’ Jesus knows what you are thinking too, and lovingly watches over your thoughts. Speak with Jesus about anything that has arisen for you during this time of prayer. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.