The importance of the Fight against the Devil

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 27th Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 11:15-26*

*First Reading : Jl 1:13-15; 2:1-2*

*The importance of the Fight against the Devil*

*1) Jesus Fight against the Devil*

The fight against the Devil is one if the important aspects of Jesus' ministry

During the Public ministry of Jesus we have many instances where Jesus is fighting against the devil inorder to deliver people from the clutches of its power 

We have a classical example where the Satan itself is trying to tempt Jesus when Jesus was fasting in the wilderness 

The Gospel of the day speaks about Jesus fight against the devil and its importance of it 

*2) Jesus' Casts out the Demon with the Finger of God*

The phrase the finger of God is found four times in the Bible, three times in the Old Testament and once in the New Testament

The finger of God is a reference to God’s unlimited power as He intervenes directly in the affairs of men. 

The working of the finger of God is very evident in our lives.  No device of man can compete with that power

No one has that power and no one can posses that power 

*3) Fight against the devil is needed to build up the Kingdom of God*

In today's Gospel there is a clear reference to the fight against devil and the Kingdom of God

Jesus Says *If it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.*

The destruction of devil, its power and kingdom will help us to build the Kingdom of God

In the Kingdom of God there is no place for Devil 

*4) Fight against the Devil with the Help of God*

The fight against the Devil by our own power and strength is not possible 

Jesus uses the Power of God. Jesus says that with the Finger of God I derive out the demon 

So with God's power one can simply derive out the demon, one can destroy the demon and one can build the Kingdom of God 

*5) Things which Work like Finger of God in our Life*

The drive out the demon the finger of God is necessary. These are the things which will help us to in our fight against the Devil 

Bible works as the Finger of God

Cross works as the Finger of God 

Prayer works  as the finger of God

Fasting works as the Finger of God

Service works as the Finger of God 

Humility works  as the finger of God

Generosity works as the Finger of God

Love works as the Finger of God 

Forgiveness works  as the finger of God

Sincerity works as the Finger of God

Faithfulness works as the Finger of God 

Sacrifice works  as the finger of God

Rosary is the Powerful finger of God, which works against the Devil  

*6) How do I fight against the Devil?*

It is a Herculean task to fight against the devil 

One has to fight everyday to defeat the devil 

With the help of God one can easily defeat the devil 

How do I fight against it? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*