Note: On Tuesdays and some Sundays, you can find me at Your Daily Tripod, owned by my friend TonyD. A longer version of the post below appears there.
“You can’t get to the resurrection without the crucifixion.” I don’t know who coined the phrase, but I’ve heard it so often. I’ve prayed over it so often. Probably you have too.
Today’s Gospel reading reminds us that we all face our own little crucifixions:
In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Let us alone! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm. (Luke 4:33-35, NRSVCE)
Most of us won’t experience demonic possession in the most literal way. But if we let them, those seven deadly sins—pride, greed, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth—can take up great spaces in our brains, hearts, and souls.
Is that highly prized new car, home, or job a demon? Maybe, if it takes priority over God’s desires. Are the anger and sorrow over the loss of a loved one demons? Maybe, if they take priority over God’s desires. Is your favorite television show or that second daily cup of specialty coffee a demon? Maybe, if it takes priority over God’s desires.
And so, may we have the courage to throw down our demons, filled with the faith and confidence that ridding ourselves of them does us no harm and in the long term will bring resurrection and great joy.
