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Friday, October 12, 2012

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Galatians 3:7-14
Psalm 111:1-6
Luke 11:15-26

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"the right hand of the power" (mt 26:64)

"If it is by the finger of God that I cast out devils, then the reign of God is upon you." —Luke 11:20

Jesus is stronger than the strong man (Lk 11:22). He is stronger than the devil. The One in us is greater than the one in the world (1 Jn 4:4).

Do we realize how much stronger and greater Jesus is? Jesus is so much stronger and greater that Satan is not even a close second to the Lord. Satan is not even remotely close to the all-powerful Lord, although he lies about being like God. For this reason, the angel sent by God to defeat Satan forever is named "Michael," meaning "Who is like God?" (see Rv 12:7)

Because we as Christians draw our "strength from the Lord and His mighty power" (Eph 6:10), it is important to know that the Lord is all-powerful and that the devil can't compare with Him. In Baptism, we have been "clothed with power from on high" (Lk 24:49). The devil is no match for us in Christ. When we are under the authority of Christ, we are in authority over Satan (see Mt 10:1). We can drive out Satan (Mk 16:17), disarm and despoil him (Lk 11:22), bring down his strongholds and sophistries (2 Cor 10:4), and make a public show of him (Col 2:15). In Christ, we don't have to worry about Satan. He has to worry about us.

Know and use your power in Christ.

Prayer:  Father, I will use fully my authority and power in Jesus.

Promise:  "This has happened so that through Christ Jesus the blessing bestowed on Abraham might descend on the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, thereby making it possible for us to receive the promised Spirit through faith." —Gal 3:14

Praise:  Fr. Ron promotes perpetual Eucharistic adoration in Catholic churches. He has found that no person has ever been harmed traveling to or from adoration in these parishes, even in the most dangerous neighborhoods, or in the midnight hours.

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our tape Power in the Spirit on audio AV 64-1 or video V-64.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 10, 2012

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