The inability of the Disciples to cast out the Unclean Spirit

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Seventh Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mk 9:14-29*

*First Reading : Sir 1:1-10*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5*

*The inability of the Disciples to cast out the Unclean Spirit*

*1)  The Power to Cast out demons*

In Mark 6:7 we have the incident of Jesus sending His disciples for mission 

While sending them He gave them authority to drive out the devil and unclean spirit 

In fact when they went out they worked in the name of Jesus, they were able to heal the people and also were successful in driving out the demons

*2) The inability of the Disciples to cast out the Unclean Spirit*

In the Markan Gospel 9:14 on words we have beautiful passage which speaks about the boy who was possessed by Unclean Spirit

The Boy was brought to the disciples. But they were not able to cast out demons. Finally Jesus drove the unclean from the Boy and the was given a chance to follow Jesus 

*3) This kind of Unclean Spirit*

The phrase *This kind can only come out through prayer* comes from Mark 9:29. 

It is Jesus’ response to His disciples after they failed to cast out a demon from a boy suffering from seizures.

The disciples, who had previously been given authority to cast out demons (Mark 6:7), were perplexed as to why they were unsuccessful this time.

*4) What Does "This Kind" Mean?*

In context, *this kind* refers to a particularly strong or stubborn type of unclean spirit. 

Not all spiritual battles are the same; some require a deeper level of dependence on God. 

The disciples may have assumed they could cast out the demon as they had done before, but this encounter revealed a need for greater faith, spiritual discipline, and reliance on God.

*5) Why Was Prayer Necessary?*

*Dependence on God:* Jesus implies that spiritual authority is not automatic; it requires an ongoing relationship with God.

Prayer aligns the heart with God’s power rather than human ability.

*Faith and Spiritual Sensitivity:* 

Jesus earlier rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith (Mark 9:19). Prayer cultivates faith, humility, and a greater awareness of God’s presence.

*Persistence in Spiritual Warfare:* 

Some demonic influences are deeply rooted, requiring persistent, focused intercession rather than casual or routine faith.

*6) Highlight of this Passage*

This passage teaches us that spiritual victories require a life of prayer and dependence on God, not mere formulas or past experiences. 

The Church Fathers often linked this kind of prayer to fasting, which further strengthens reliance on God by denying the flesh.

With Prayer and Fasting everything is possible

*7) Personal Application*

Are there strongholds in our lives—temptations, habits, or challenges—that seem unshakable?

Do we approach spiritual struggles with casual faith, or do we seek God deeply in prayer?

Do we depend on past victories, or do we cultivate a fresh reliance on God daily?

Jesus’ words call us to a deeper spiritual life, where *prayer is not an option but a necessity* for overcoming the most difficult challenges.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*