“Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” — Luke 11:9 USCCB

 

📖 Readings for October 10, 2025

First Reading – Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2

“Gird yourselves, priests, lament, ministers of the altar; come, spend the night in sackcloth, you ministers of my God! The house of your God has been deprived of offering and libation... Proclaim a fast; call an assembly; gather the elders... Blow the trumpet in Zion…” Catholic Gallery+3USCCB+3Catholic Gallery+3

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 9:2-3, 6, 16, 8-9

R. The Lord will judge the world with justice.
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. USCCB+1
My enemies retreat; they stumble and perish at your presence. USCCB+2Catholic Gallery+2
You have rebuked the nations, destroyed the wicked; you have blotted out their name for ever. Catholic Gallery+1
The Lord is enthroned forever; he has established his throne for judgment. USCCB+1

Alleluia – John 12:31b-32

The prince of this world will now be cast out; and when I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all people to myself. USCCB+1

Gospel – Luke 11:15-26

Jesus had driven out a demon, but some said, “By the power of Beelzebul he casts out demons.” Others asked him for a sign from heaven. But knowing their thoughts, he said,
“If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people cast them out? But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”
“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” USCCB+2Catholic Collectionary+2

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🌟 Verse of the Day

“Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” — Luke 11:9 USCCB

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Reflection

I. Introduction

Today’s readings press us to examine the power of words, motives, and allegiance. When Jesus’ acts of power are misinterpreted or rejected, He responds by exposing deeper spiritual realities. Prayer, discernment, and the posture of our hearts come under scrutiny.

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II. The Gospel Passage and Its Context

In Luke 11:15-26, Jesus confronts accusations that He drives out demons by demonic power. He refutes them logically: a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. He then offers a warning: one must be aligned with Him. The core is not merely exorcism, but authority, allegiance, and how we orient ourselves spiritually.

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III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Humility & Justice

• In Joel, the prophet laments the neglect of worship and calls for repentance—inviting the faithful to turn back to God before the day of judgment comes. USCCB+1

• The Psalm celebrates God’s righteous judgment, His response to oppression, and His eternal sovereignty. The good are vindicated; the wicked are confounded.

• Together, these readings teach that God’s kingdom demands clarity—both in confession and in moral orientation.

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IV. Reflections

• Jesus’ power is not to be denied or slandered. Misunderstanding it reveals a failure to see God’s work.

• Allegiance matters deeply: to side with Christ is to resist division, darkness, and spiritual confusion.

• We must consider whether our hearts are aligned with God’s kingdom or distracted by lesser powers.

• Persistence in prayer, purity in motive, and fidelity in discipleship guard us from being “scattered.”

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V. Practical Applications

1. Examine your words: when you hear or speak criticism of spiritual works, test them against Christ’s truth.

2. Pray for clarity: ask God to root out any inner contradiction or divided loyalties in your heart.

3. Stand firm: remain with Christ—do not drift with popular opinion or spiritual confusion.

4. Be vigilant in daily life—be aware of spiritual battles, but anchor yourself in Christ’s authority.

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VI. Conclusion

Jesus does not permit spiritual ambiguity. He calls us to choose: alignment or division; clarity or confusion. The readings today remind us that the true power is God’s, and denying it only obscures His kingdom. May we stand firm, pray persistently, and live wholly for Him.

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🙏 Prayer for the Reader

Heavenly Father,
Grant me wisdom to discern Your work, courage to stand with Christ, and integrity to reject false accusations or misinterpretations. Help me root out divided loyalties and align my heart fully to Your Kingdom. Protect me from confusion and strengthen my faith so I may walk in Your power. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.