Gospel: March 12, 2026

March 12, 2026 (Thursday)

3rd Week of Lent

Psalter: Week 3 (Violet)

Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

1st Reading: Jeremiah 7:23-28

Gospel: Luke 11:14-23

One day, Jesus was driving out a demon, which was mute. When the demon had been driven out, the mute person could speak, and the people were amazed. Yet some of them said, “He drives out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the chief of the demons.” Others wanted to put him to the test, by asking him for a heavenly sign.

But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them, “Every nation divided by civil war is on the road to ruin, and will fall. If Satan also is divided, his empire is coming to an end. How can you say that I drive out demons by calling upon Beelzebul? If I drive them out by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive out demons? They will be your judges, then.

But if I drive out demons by the finger of God; would not this mean that the kingdom of God has come upon you? As long as a man, strong and well armed, guards his house, his goods are safe. But when a stronger man attacks and overcomes him, the challenger takes away all the weapons he relied on, and disposes of his spoils.

Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me, scatters.

Reflection:

We have a friend and champion in Jesus.

In addressing slander after exorcising a demon from a mute person, Jesus illustrates the analogy of a strong, well-armed man. Eventually, a more powerful challenger arrives, overcomes him, and strips him of everything. Such is the power of Jesus, the challenger of Satan, whose very name instills fear in demons. Concluding this display of supernatural force, Jesus invites everyone to gather around him and draw strength from him.

As we move through the middle of Lent, we may feel like the mute in the Gospel, burdened by harmful tendencies that seem too difficult to let go of and frustrated by the numerous times we have fallen, sinned, or otherwise forgotten God. In these moments of struggle, the Gospel encourages us: We have a friend and champion in Jesus.

We humbly seek the grace to always call upon Jesus’ name in our times of distress.