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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider He drives out demons by the prince of demons

He drives out demons by the prince of demons

Published Jul 8, 2025 12:05 am  |  Updated Jul 7, 2025 05:46 pm
REFLECTIONS TODAY
Jesus’ healing of the dumb (Greek kophos) demoniac marks the end of the devil’s hold on the suffering man.
By proclaiming the Kingdom of God, Jesus releases those possessed from the clutches of evil spirits, from the power of Satan or Beelzebul, the prince of demons.
The crowds are amazed at Jesus’ power over evil spirits. But the Pharisees, who have closed their hearts to Jesus, attribute this power to Jesus’ connivance with the evil spirit, in the process accusing him as a demonic power in the guise of an angel, or a wolf in sheep’s clothing, to deceive the people. This, for Jesus, is a serious sin, even an “unforgivable sin,” a blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Mt 12:31).
In all his actions, Jesus is moved by the Holy Spirit. He cures people and exorcises demons by “the finger” of God (Lk 11:20). Hence, he can never be in league with demons. While speaking against him may be forgiven because his detractors may not really know him, but to align him with demons is another matter; it is really the work of demons.
Gospel • Matthew 9:32-38
A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute person 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.”
Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
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