We need empowerment to conquer

 

Prayer is a way of empowering ourselves.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Friday of 27th Week in Ordinary Time, Year I, October 13th, 2023
Texts: Joel 1:13-15;2:1-2; Psalm 9:2-3,6,16,8-9; Luke 11:15-26 

Today’s readings call on us to empower ourselves as the day of the Lord is approaching. We need empowerment to conquer the devices of the evil ones. Hence, Jesus says, “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace; but when one stronger than he assails him and overcomes him, he takes away his armour in which he trusted, and divides his spoil.” As the day of the Lord is approaching the devil becomes more fierce and so we need more empowerment.  

Jesus Christ reiterates the need for empowerment. He emphasises this in the story of a man who is delivered from the evil spirits.  He says, "When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he passes through waterless places seeking rest; and finding none he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when he comes he finds it swept and put in order. Then he goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than before.” 

Cry to the  Lord. Alas for the day! For the day of the  Lord is near

Prayer is a way of empowering ourselves. Hence, Prophet Joel says, “Put on sackcloth and lament, O priests, wail, O ministers of the altar. ... Sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the  Lord your God; and cry to the  Lord. Alas for the day! For the day of the  Lord is near”. We have to humble ourselves before the Lord, be holy to Him and gather to pray to Him. We are also to arm ourselves with virtues like prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude, patience,  perseverance,  etc.  

Jesus also reminds us that we are to stand with Him. In His words: “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.” It is by standing with the Lord that we can survive the day of darkness and gloom. Prophet Joel says, “Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the  Lord is coming, it is near, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness!”  

Prayer  

God our Father, renew in us the power of Holy Spirit; may we live by Your strength and grace to survive the day of darkness and gloom. Amen  

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke