27TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

One stronger than he attacks and overcomes him. 

This parable about a strong man driven out and despoiled by an even stronger man can be confusing. Who exactly is this strong man? And who is the one, stronger than he, who comes to attack him?

Jesus had just finished driving out a demon when he told this short parable (Luke 11:14). Given the circumstances, it stands to reason—and many Bible scholars have agreed—that the strong man is Satan and the stronger man is Jesus.

Do you know what that means for us? Jesus is victorious! Yes, the strong man is strong. Yes, he is “fully armed” (Luke 11:21). And one of his most powerful weapons is fear. But Jesus is stronger. The devil, and the fear he incites, are no match for Jesus. It’s not even a close contest! Jesus is the One who, at the Father’s side and through the Holy Spirit, created the universe. By contrast, angels, even fallen ones like Satan, are still just created beings.

By his death and resurrection, Jesus has triumphed over sin and death and the “principalities and powers” that dominated us (Colossians 2:15). He has brought us into his kingdom through Baptism and rendered these adversaries powerless to destroy us! We can walk confidently in the freedom of those who belong to the Lord of lords and King of kings.

You do not need to be afraid. Jesus, the stronger man, has overcome the evil one. So take courage and come to Jesus today with your fears. Are you concerned about your health? Are you worried about family members falling away from God? Are you uneasy about the state of your town or parish or country or the Church as a whole? Put all these fears in the hands of the stronger man, Jesus. He has disarmed the devil, so you can trust him to take care of everything. Then you can go forward with the assurance that, no matter what happens, Jesus is Lord.

“Jesus, I believe that you are stronger than all the powers of darkness. I trust you and put my life in your hands.”

Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2
Psalm 9:2-3, 6, 8-9, 16
Luke 11:15-26