It is through the prince of devils that he casts out devils…

After Jesus’ action, we can see two different reactions.

The reaction of the crowds, meaning normal everyday people, was one of amazement. Their reaction reveals a simple and pure faith that accepts what it sees. What a blessing it is to have this form of faith. Without speculation, just – you know – I accept what I see here and now. I can tell you, that gift of thinking is very good but can bring you also a lot of troubles. So, gift of simple, pure faith is like precious pearl.

The reaction of the Pharisees was one of judgement, and jealousy. In my opinion, their reaction was also most irrational or illogical.

What would lead the Pharisees to conclude that Jesus drives out demons by the prince of demons? Can you find something in the gospel to proof that? I can’t. Certainly it was nothing that Jesus did that would lead them to this conclusion. Therefore, the only logical conclusion is that the Pharisees were filled with a certain jealousy and envy. And these sins led them to this ridiculous and irrational conclusion. It is very dangerous because jealousy leads directly to hatred as well.

Have you heard joke about ecumenical meeting between Muslim Imam, Catholic priest and Rabbi? It’s quite good 🙂

It’s happened in some small town… A catholic priest, a Muslim Imam and a Jewish rabbi gathered together to make a plan of how three completely different religions can come close to provide highly pastoral care for all members of that town. And they wanted to become friends as well. During a heated theological discussion, suddenly an angel appeared in their midst and said to them: “God sends you His blessings. Make one wish for peace and your wish will be fulfilled by the Almighty”.

The Imam said: Let every Christians and especially Catholic disappear from our lovely town. Then peace will reign supreme.

The Catholic priest said: Let there not be a single Muslim left on our sacred soil. That will bring peace to this town.

And what about you, Rabbi? – said the angel – Do you have no wish of your own?

Oooo well – said the rabbi with a deep breath… – I am not as bad as these both here. There isn’t even small jealousy or envy in my humble heart. I would like to show them a good example of how to be a good neighbour for all the people. So, Dear Angel, just attend to the wishes of these two gentlemen and I shall be well pleased.

What is the lesson I should learn from today’s gospel?

My mind and heart whisper me, that the lesson I should learn from this is that I must approach other people with humility and honesty rather than jealousy. Because by seeing those around us with humility and love, we will naturally arrive at genuine and honest conclusions about them. Humility and honest love will enable us to see the goodness of others and rejoice in that goodness. Humility and honesty will help us to avoid making rash and irrational judgements about others as a result of jealousy and envy.

So, where am I today? I have to say honestly, that today I am on a half way. I know myself. I must tell you, that very often I approach other people with honesty, without jealousy BUT – also without humility. That’s my problem. So, I’m on a half way.

Let us think today on the way we normally think and speak about others. Do we usually tend to be more like the crowds who saw, believed and were amazed at the good things Jesus did?  Or are we more like the Pharisees who tend to fabricate and exaggerate in their conclusions.