Evil recognizes Goodness. In today’s Gospel Reading from Luke 4,  Jesus encounters a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon. The man cries out in a loud voice that Jesus should leave them alone. He says, I know who you are, the Holy One of God.   Jesus rebuked him, telling him to be silent and commands the demon to come out of the human. The demon leaves without having done him any harm. Everyone watching his amazed at this authority over unclean spirits.

In the first reading from 1 Corinthians 2, the author says that those who are unspiritual do not receive the gifts of God’s Spirit because they are unable to understand them since they must be spiritually discerned. Those who are spiritual however  can discern all things and receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. They have put on the mind of Christ.  Even recognizes both goodness and evil. I pray that I may learn to discern well and be attentive to both Evil and Goodness in my world. The gifts of the Spirit are worth knowing and asking for. St. Ignatius taught about the discernment of Spirits, enabling people to know when we might be deceived by the Evil One, and when to recognize the work of the Holy One of God. I am grateful for this knowledge but also know that I can still be fooled by what seems like Light. Evil may recognize Goodness and be scared but Goodness recognizes Evil and stands strong. That is what we must learn to do as good people.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

Do you recognize Evil when it rears its ugly head?

Do you recognize the Holy One of God in your presence?

Prayer

O Holy One of God, give me a spirit that concerns your presence versus that of the Evil One. Let me stand strong against all that is not of you and make choices that are good and holy. Amen.