A DIVIDED KINGDON WILL NEVER STAND

Mk 3:22-30

In the time of Jesus, the most notorious leader of the underworld was “the demon lord,” or “the prince of the demons.” This being the master, he directed the activities of the demons under him. In this world, exorcism was a popular jog. Many exorcists were trained to cast out demons. And demons were also powerful and stubborn. They could not be cast out just like that. It would need the demon’s boss, the prince of demons to terminate his job of possessing a person, but he could not be forced to leave. Since, Jesus never had a failed exorcism, people began to think he could be this “prince of demons.” How could he get the power and authority to release individuals from Satan's influence and control? They assumed that he had to be in league with Satan. They attributed his power to Satan rather than to God. Jesus asserts that no kingdom divided against itself can survive for long. If Satan lends his power against his own forces then he is finished.

Jesus used the illustration of a strong man whose house and possessions were kept secure. How could such a person be overtaken and robbed of his goods except by someone who is stronger than himself? By this he gives a lesson about unity. This reading is very applicable to our world today. Jesus’s question speaks directly to us as individuals and as community.

            First, most of time as individuals, we are divided against ourselves. Too often we tear ourselves down physically, mentally, or emotionally. Most of time we have these ideas in our mind that we just aren’t good enough. How often have we heard friends, or family members cut themselves down saying? “I just need to lose 10 pounds.” “I’m not strong enough.” “I’m terrible at school.” “I will never be a good parent, a good brother or a good sister.” “I’m not as good of a person as I should be.” “I make too many mistakes.” “I’m just a failure.” It’s scary to think that these ideas run through many of our minds. It true that there are characteristics of ourselves that we don’t like, but if we truly want to be the best versions of ourselves, we must learn to accept ourselves as we are. Just as a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand, a human who constantly brings himself or herself down simply cannot grow. The only growth-promoting change is that which comes from self-acceptance.”

Second, as a community, too often we tear each other down in order to build ourselves up rather than build others up to better our communities as a whole. There is a lot of pressure in our world today to climb to the top, to be the best at everything and at all cost. As a result, we sometimes make decisions without truly thinking about others; we gossip, cheat, lie, and bring others down in order to be “better” ourselves, when in actuality we are weakening our human community. Jesus’ teaching challenges us all to come together as humans. If we are separated, if we are divided from one another, then we cannot grow and improve.