But if it is through the finger of God that I cast out devils, then know that the kingdom of God has overtaken you.
We had a big fund raiser at Church this last weekend. Saturday was a high price catered diner and auction with music and dancing. Price was too high for me but Sunday we had a parish picnic. Food and games were free. (Part paid for by the Knights of Columbus and the Church) I volunteered to cleanup and Anna and I had a good time.
Looking and interacting with people was a glimpse of the Kingdom of God on Earth. There were good spirits and good food. Great conversations with all kinds of people. Everyone was happy and supporting one another on a beautiful Pre-Fall Day. No one was angry and everyone had a good time. The Kingdom of God was spread by food in Jesus time and it is spread by food today. It was not the meal alone. It was the spirit of the people.
Notably, there was no arguments or stress. Just Fun.
Sound the trumpet in Zion, give the alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the country tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming, yes, it is near. Jesus is calling our attention to the fact that we are stronger and happier together than alone. ‘He who is not with me is against me; and he who does not gather with me scatters.
The big thing I get from today’s readings is that to be successful we have to make an effort. So long as a strong man fully armed guards his own palace, his goods are undisturbed; but when someone stronger than he is attacks and defeats him, the stronger man takes away all the weapons he relied on and shares out his spoil. The point is we cannot overtake evil alone. We need to do it together. Also, we can’t do it without Jesus and our relationship to Him.
We all have times in our life of Day of darkness and gloom, day of cloud and blackness. The thing that supports us is that relationship with Jesus and that relationship in a community of the faithful. Love one another has a new meaning.
So, as we gather together this week. We have more strength together and more strength by spiritual and physical food.
God Love You Always
Bob Burford
PS: Please Pray for Pope Leo XIV. Please Pray for Cancer victims and their caregivers. Pray for the conversion of Russia and the salvation of the Ukrainian and Russian people and their soldiers. Pray for the Holy Land. Pray for peace! The impossible could and can happen. (Saint Rita) Never deny God! Pray for justice for immigrants! Pray for justice for our President!
