THE DEFEAT OF SATAN, By Fr Oluwafemi Victor Orilua,CSSp

HOMILY OF MONDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Heb 9:15,24-28, Matthew 3:22-30

THEME: THE DEFEAT OF SATAN

In today’s gospel, Jesus was accused of using the power of Beelzebub, the prince of demon to cast out demons. His adversaries were not interested in the freedom which he brings for those who were under the yoke of Satan. Instead, they discredited his works to make him less popular.

However, as followers of Christ, whenever we see the need to do good or release those in bondage, we must not allow the voice of our neighbours to overshadow God’s voice which urges us to do good works. Satan has ways of discouraging us. Oftentimes, he speaks in our friends, neighbours and  colleagues to plant discouraging words in our hearts. We must learn to know when he is speaking.

Moreover, we must take note not to criticize all that do not rhyme with our ways of doing things. God’s ways are not our ways. Out of cheer jealousy or envy many have discredited their mentors or who would have connected them to their destiny. Hence, we must take care not to criticize what we do not understand.

Furthermore, we should know that every moment we spend to make life better for others is a moment spent to announce the defeat of Satan. He may use varying ways to hide himself when he is at work. He may claim responsibility for what he could not do, just to confuse us. He may animate people with perforated consciousness to announce his non-existence. Above all, Jesus’ activities have shown that he exists and he has come to stop his work.

As Christians, we are meant to live in the light of the Holy Spirit. He gives us clear insight into the happenings around us and enlightens us on the workings of God. When we refuse to be led by his bidding, we tend to lose our focus and sink into a state of condemnation. That is, a situation whereby we live based on our own thinking and  values and loose the life of grace which bids us come back. In such reprobate sense, we are not penitent, and we cannot seek forgiveness. It is only those who seek forgiveness that can be forgiven.

May the Lord shed his light upon us. And may we always recognize his works in us and around us that we may never mistake him for whatever is base, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.