Homily: Third Thursday of Lent

Third Thursday of Lent (Lk. 11:14-23) “The Prince of Lies”

Scott Peck once wrote a book on evil, and possession called “The People of the Lie.” Peck was a psychiatrist and a Christian. He participated in teams who would perform exorcisms. He was very suspicious of whether the devil existed. I have been rereading his book.

Peck talked to numerous people who had personality disorders and he became convinced that there are evil people in the world. The evil inclination takes root over time. Peck didn’t think that someone was born evil, but it had to do with choices that were made over and over. Gradually, Satan takes over the person’s life.

One of the main symptoms of being under the influence of Satan is lying. A person who constantly tells lies to evade responsibility even if those lies are detrimental to another person can be evil.

The motivation of the evil person is to make themselves look respectable in the eyes of others. Reputation is all important. If the evil person must cast dispersions on another, they will do that. There is an insatiable need to hold on to status in an organization or community. The allusion of propriety must be maintained at all costs.

In ancient times there was a sense that the spiritual world touched everyone’s life every day. There were thought to be good spirits and evil spirits. Evil spirits were always ready to touch people’s lives and cause harm. Illness was thought to be brought on by demons.

If we reflect on all this, we could say that the man Jesus encountered was not possessed but he had a physical handicap of some type. Jesus cured him of the physical problem which probably caused him spiritual distress. We remember that the physical, mental and spiritual are all related to a healthy life.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Do I believe in demons? Why or why not?

2.   Can a person invite Satan into their life? Does Satan just take over a person’s life?

 Dear Parishioners,

             The Alleman Heritage Ball dream share raffle is coming up on March 23rd. Have you got your ticket yet? You can obtain a ticket by going to the Alleman High School website or by calling Alleman High School. Don’t let this chance to support Alleman get away. Monies raised by the Heritage Ball are used for scholarships.

            Let’s keep Alleman affordable for our high school students.

            May Our Lady of Peace pray for us,

            Fr. Mark