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Gospel of Matthew 9:32-38
A demoniac who
could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon
was driven out the mute man spoke. The crowds were
amazed and said,“Nothing like this
has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He drives out
demons by the prince of demons.”
The Mute Demoniac Movies and televisions shows depict demoniac possession in dramatic ways with cursing and yelling, sexual provocation, acts of violence, strange supernatural voices and physical distress. This wasn't the case of the demoniac healed by Jesus. The demon, possessing the body of his human host, purposely remained mute, not speaking one word or uttering one sound. Why is this? Did he not want to be discovered? Surely the demon realized the host's uncharacteristic silence may indicate something not quite right to his friends and family. Was the demon intimidated by Jesus? Or, was he remaining silent in order to inflict even more misery on his victim?
Whenever I read in the bible about Jesus curing demon possession, I often wonder how many of these "demons" were actually figments of the imagination, by-products of mental illness. I'm not discounting the authenticity of physical demon possession. I believe it is a real phenomenon. What better time for the Satan and his demons to attack than while the Son of Man travels from city to city, proclaiming the Kingdom of Heaven? However, I can't discount that those who lived during the time of Jesus dealt with "inner demons" caused by mental issues.
The Wow Factor! Throughout the gospels, the crowds are constantly amazed by Jesus' miracles and healings. It was bible reality tv 24/7, with live broadcasts even on the Sabbath! Massive crowds followed Jesus wherever he went. Of course, Satan continued to work hard corrupting minds and souls. I imagine him rolling his eyes every time Jesus drove out one of his worker demons. Blasted! There Jesus Christ goes again with his dog and pony show driving out my demons! How on earth am I going to ruin the world with this guy around? I know...I'll just direct some Pharisees to stalk him and criticize his every move. Corrupt people into thinking this Christ character is the true prince of demons instead of myself! Haha! Sizzle.....
The Pharisees accused Jesus of driving out demons as a prince of demons, but this was all negative propaganda. They didn't want to see one man out-maneuver Jewish law and make a statement for himself! They didn't want Jesus of Nazareth to convert others to his teachings. The Pharisees continued to criticize and slander as Jesus' popularity grew. The demon silently witnessed those around him knowing fair well that Jesus and the Pharisees would debate with one other. Mutely, he accessed the situation. Yes, in the end he was driven away back into hell but he left a definitive mark on Jesus' plan: Jesus Christ's ministry would be forever challenged. Believers would stay close to him but enemies even closer.
Abundant Harvest We should never remain mute when it comes to proclaiming the teachings of the Church. We should never remain silent when it comes to sharing the good news of the gospel. The bible is rich in wisdom and examples of virtuous living. Likewise Catholicism is rich in tradition and history. She has withstood the attack of evil throughout the centuries but still remains as strong as ever. The laborers may be few as people chose to follow secular ways and non-spiritual paths. However, the spiritual harvest is still plentiful. It only takes one seed planted in a welcoming soul to blossom and bear fruit. It only takes sharing our faith with someone else to spark inquiry and curiosity. The demons in the world can place thoughts in peoples' minds: God is a sham. He's a fake. He's worthless and won't do any good! But then it takes a devout Christian - a true laborer of Christ - who turns around the thinking pattern. He or she makes the unbeliever realize that God is love! He never abandons us and always keeps us close to his heart. We don't have to be scared that God will turn a deaf ear toward us. In fact, his hearing is amplified. He knows everything we think and say even within our inner silence.
The harvest is abundant but laborers are few. Choose to be a laborer for the Church! Don't remain mute but proclaim the Truth with fervor and zeal!
-J.
The Pharisees accused Jesus of driving out demons as a prince of demons, but this was all negative propaganda. They didn't want to see one man out-maneuver Jewish law and make a statement for himself! They didn't want Jesus of Nazareth to convert others to his teachings. The Pharisees continued to criticize and slander as Jesus' popularity grew. The demon silently witnessed those around him knowing fair well that Jesus and the Pharisees would debate with one other. Mutely, he accessed the situation. Yes, in the end he was driven away back into hell but he left a definitive mark on Jesus' plan: Jesus Christ's ministry would be forever challenged. Believers would stay close to him but enemies even closer.
Abundant Harvest We should never remain mute when it comes to proclaiming the teachings of the Church. We should never remain silent when it comes to sharing the good news of the gospel. The bible is rich in wisdom and examples of virtuous living. Likewise Catholicism is rich in tradition and history. She has withstood the attack of evil throughout the centuries but still remains as strong as ever. The laborers may be few as people chose to follow secular ways and non-spiritual paths. However, the spiritual harvest is still plentiful. It only takes one seed planted in a welcoming soul to blossom and bear fruit. It only takes sharing our faith with someone else to spark inquiry and curiosity. The demons in the world can place thoughts in peoples' minds: God is a sham. He's a fake. He's worthless and won't do any good! But then it takes a devout Christian - a true laborer of Christ - who turns around the thinking pattern. He or she makes the unbeliever realize that God is love! He never abandons us and always keeps us close to his heart. We don't have to be scared that God will turn a deaf ear toward us. In fact, his hearing is amplified. He knows everything we think and say even within our inner silence.
The harvest is abundant but laborers are few. Choose to be a laborer for the Church! Don't remain mute but proclaim the Truth with fervor and zeal!
-J.
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