Jesus is critical of those who cannot recognize goodness and who see only evil.

 
Reading: And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons, he is driving out demons.” Mark 3:22.
 
Good morning, happy Monday, and many blessings my dear family.
 
Today’s Gospel (Mark 3:22-30) picks up where Saturday’s Gospel ended. Today the scribes accuse Jesus of being possessed by Beelzebub. They state that they believe that it’s the power of this “prince of demons” that gave Jesus the power to cast out demons! Also, the people who were listening to Jesus preach declare that He was “out of His mind!”

In Mark the scribes from Jerusalem are Jesus’ severest critics. Here they do not deny that Jesus performs successful exorcisms. However, they claim that, as he is himself possessed, it is by demonic power that he casts out other demons. Jesus’ response, pointing to what happens in a divided kingdom or a divided house, is logical and persuasive. Then he compares himself to an intruder wanting to plunder a strong man’s property (the strong man is Satan). It is a curious but effective way to speak about exorcism.
 
Passages such as this remind us that the worldview shared by Jesus and his critics was very different from ours in the 21st century. We may need to ask, even more insistently than usual, for grace to understand how the story is relevant for us today. Always remember that Mark (and the other evangelists) is trying to explain who Jesus is and what it means to call him Savior. That is the heart of the gospel.
 
Jesus is critical of those who cannot recognize goodness and who see only evil. If I wish to listen for the voice of God, I need to take care not to heed any voice that speaks only negatively or in condemnation.
 
The image of the house with its strong occupant is a picture of integrity and wholeness. I take some time to tidy the house that is my heart, to allow it to be a home for the spirit of Jesus.
However, Jesus did not let their comments distract or deter Him. He immediately turns to them and questions their declarations. Ultimately Jesus tells the people that all sins, all blasphemies will be forgiven. However, if someone blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, that one will not be forgiven!

What is our reaction to his Gospel? What is the message Jesus is giving us today? Is it about blasphemy? Or is Jesus simply trying to free us? At times in our lives, we are the ones who cannot forgive ourselves for something we have done! Ask yourself: what do you need to forgive yourself for? Are you willing to let Jesus “set you free?” Jesus is waiting and ready! However, do we trust Him enough to open our minds and hearts to His love, His forgiveness, and His healing?
 
Blessings,
 
Luis+