The World is Calling Good Evil

Gospel Reflection for January 22, 2024

“The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said, ‘He is possessed by Beelzebul,’ and ‘By the prince of demons he drives out demons.’

Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, ‘How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand; that is the end of him. But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house. Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.’ For they had said, ‘He has an unclean spirit.’” (Mark 3:22-30 NABRE)

Jesus called out the scribes for making the same mistake that is unfortunately made by so many people today. What did they do? They had called good evil.

The scribes accused Jesus of being possessed, and claimed that the power He used to perform His miracles and good works was derived from demons. In other words, the spirit with which He worked was evil.

So often people do this today. Those who strive to live out their faith by following the commands of God and obeying His Word are often called evil, hateful, intolerant, old-fashioned, judgmental, and so many other derogatories. Sadly, living for God and striving to grow in holiness and virtue is often viewed by the world as something bad, or as less than desirable.

Sometimes this popular worldview which surrounds us can make us feel alone in our convictions. Such that we may even question our faith-driven lifestyle and wonder if we are somehow incorrect.

If you’ve ever been in this somewhat confused or discouraged position before, may today’s Gospel offer you some reassurance!! Jesus makes it quite clear that to call that which is good evil is an absolutely terrible sin. Know that when you are judged by the world for your faith, you are living by the same spirit with which Jesus lives. In other words, the Holy Spirit Who lives in and through you is not a bad or evil thing as the world often claims!!

So, as you live your life for God, don’t worry about what the world says about it, and don’t let the world make you discouraged or cause you to hold back in your faith. Your faith and relationship with God are beautiful and good and it is all that truly matters.

Take a minute to contemplate the following words of Jesus.

“If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. Remember the word I spoke to you, ‘No slave is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. And they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin; but as it is they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me also hates my Father. If I had not done works among them that no one else ever did, they would not have sin; but as it is, they have seen and hated both me and my Father. But in order that the word written in their law might be fulfilled, ‘They hated me without cause.’

When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.” (John 15:18-27)