“if I drive out demons… then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”
“..if I drive out demons… then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” – Luke 11:20
A family lived in fear as stray dogs frequently invaded their compound. They tried chasing them off with sticks, but the dogs always returned. One day, a neighbour brought his trained guard dog. With a single bark, the strays fled and never returned. What the family couldn’t do, the guard dog accomplished effortlessly.
This is the picture Jesus gives in today’s Gospel. Evil is real, but Christ is the stronger one who cannot be overcome (Luke 11:22). On our own, our “sticks” of willpower and fear are too weak against temptation and darkness. But when we let Him reign, His authority clears what oppresses and fills the emptiness with His Spirit. His victory is not a distant promise but a present power that works in those who surrender daily to Him. Every area we withhold from Him becomes a door the enemy can still knock on. But when Christ fully occupies the heart, peace becomes its guard and His light leaves no room for shadows. Still, neutrality is not an option: “Whoever is not with me is against me” (Luke 11:23). The call is clear—stand firmly with Christ, and live in the confidence that His kingdom already reigns within you.
A Journey of Reflection and Action
To secure the authority of Christ in your life, dedicate a time of meditation on Luke 11:20-23, focusing on the promise that Christ is the stronger one. Journal about a specific “door” or area of neutrality in your life—a habit, worry, or relationship—that you have been withholding from God, and write a specific prayer of surrender for that area. Share this message with a fellow believer, discussing how the concept of Christ as a “guard dog” changes your approach to spiritual warfare. For a group discussion, explore the clear mandate: “Whoever is not with me is against me,” and identify practical ways to eliminate “neutrality” in everyday choices, standing firmly with Christ.
Join Us in Prayer
Almighty God, we acknowledge that You alone possess all authority and strength. We confess that we often rely on our own weak “sticks” against temptation and darkness. We surrender our hearts fully to You now, asking that Christ, the stronger one, would reign completely. Clear out every oppressive force and shut every door that the enemy tries to knock on. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may live daily in the confidence that Your Kingdom already reigns within us. Amen.
Next Step on Your Journey
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Scripture Footnote & Further Reading
Scripture verse adapted from the Catholic Daily Reading for October 10, 2025.
Further Reading List:
- First Reading: Jonah 4:1-11
- Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 86:3-4, 5-6, 9-10
- Alleluia: Luke 11:28
- Gospel: Luke 11:15-26
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