Holding Nothing Back
(Gal 3:6-14; Ps 111; Lk 11:15-26)
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“After Jesus had cast out a demon…”
This Gospel passage seems to refer to Mary Magdalene, out of whom Jesus had cast seven demons. Visionary Ann Catherine Emerich claims after Jesus had converted Mary, she relapsed and her last condition was worse than the first. But through the prayers of her sister, Christ converted her again, driving out seven demons this time instead of just one.
Sometimes we tend to unlearn lessons we have learned, only the second time it is seven times harder than the first. Mary Magdalene went on to become a saint.
What is this incredible power accomplishing such a radical transformation in the human heart?
The liturgy today invites us to give our hearts and wills to the Lord, holding nothing back, that we may reign with the glorious freedom of the children of God.
We all know the cruel servitude of what Jesus calls the slavery of sin – that despite our best efforts we can’t manage to kick a bad habit or develop a healthy one. We have all hears stories of someone who was sober for many years, but for some reason, in a weak moment, gave way to the temptation to take one drink, fell back into the throes of addiction, and lost everything, including his he her life. As the saying goes, “One drink is too many, and a thousand is not enough.”
Where human effort is helpless, Jesus says, “If it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.” What we are so powerless to do, God can accomplish with His proverbial pinky. And if the Son sets us free, we will be free indeed with the glorious freedom of the children of God.
But how are we to prevent another relapse? The moral of this parable about the seven demons seems to be when we reject sin, we have to replace it with something. Nature abhors a vacuum. Indeed, when St Paul talks about dying to sin, he speaks of living for God in the same breath. Which says that all of the passion and energy and time and determination that we put into sinning in our past, that same passion and energy must now be fully devoted to the love of God.
That is why the Commandment says to love the Lord with our WHOLE heart, mind and strength, for if any part of our heart is not given to the love of God, it becomes a point of vulnerability through which the enemy can all too easily trip us up.
The Eucharist is actually a vigil given to us by Jesus to nourish us, through Word and Sacrament, until he comes again.
So, let us give our hearts to the Lord, holding nothing back, that we may reign with the glorious freedom of the children of God.
I am not holding anything back when I decided to believe and follow Jesus’ words and teachings. I already am worshipping the Lord Jesus when he was born and learning about his life and dignity. I have the love and compassion towards God and Jesus when I pray and si g for joy and happiness . This comes from our hearts, minds and strength to complete this task that God ask us to do. If we put Jesus first in our lives he will be with us and help us with any difficulties we are facing and if we ask him for help. This is part of the 10 commandments we are to follow everyday. Even when we are working and doing our chores we should give a time or moment to praise the God. We are given this gift from God; a son who is Christ the King that can save the Jewish people and heal people from any sickness. We should not take this for granted and we are to put our full strength and heart to love Jesus. Amen
Thanks for the lovely Messages and homily about holding nothing back. Bishop Lavoie
I meant when I am praying I am singing for joy and happiness; not just kneeling and asking for help like most people do in their private moment. Amen