Friday, 27th Week in Ordinary Time, October 7, 2022

Fr. Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Friday, 27th Week in Ordinary Time, October 7, 2022
Luke 11:15-26 Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary | USCCB
Please open your Scriptures and read these verses prayerfully.

A Vacant Soul – Sound the Alarm

 Jesus drove out a demon from a man in today’s Gospel. He said that the man’s house (soul) was swept clean. The precious blood of Jesus in the Sacrament of Reconciliation sweeps our souls clean. All is tidy, like the man’s soul after Jesus drove out the demon. It is ready for some company. But what kind of company?

The demon returned to the man’s soul with seven other demons in the parable, leaving it worse off than before. How many times that same temptation crops up after the Sacrament of Reconciliation? We are back where we started, with bursts of anger, immodest thoughts that lead to sin, and giving into cravings that we know are harmful to us. Yet, somehow, we lose it.

 The Gospel Challenge:  It’s time for a prayerful encounter. Go to Jesus. Recall His Presence in your soul. He is knocking. Open the door. Acknowledge to Him your weakness over the temptation to a particular sin. Give it to Him. Hear Jesus say inside of you, “I got this.” Now your house is not only clean but filled with the Presence of our Lord and Savior.

Be alert throughout the day! Hear Jesus knocking louder in your heart than the temptation to sin. When welcomed, Jesus is the “strong man” (from the Gospel) who guards all that is precious to you in life. STAY WITH JESUS throughout your day. No harm will come to you or anyone you love. Remember, Give the temptation to Jesus. Hear him say, “I got this.” Then, Wham. It’s gone, just like that. Indeed, it is no more than a thought that disappears like a puff of smoke. Praise God.
IGNITE THE FIRE. God bless you, my friends.

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
Pastor
www.bscchurch.com
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