Let us avoid miracle hunting spirituality

Gal. 3:7-14, Lk. 11:15-26. The Christian life is a “God blessed” life, that is why our life on earth should not be solely based on our human actions. In today's first reading, Paul enjoins the Galatians not to live strictly by laws and regulations, but must realise the gift of faith they have received from God which makes them descendants of the patriarch Abraham. Paul reiterates one of his common themes: observance of law does not bring salvation to mortals. Faith enables us to know the saving power of God with a two-step process: It is the gift from God and a response to that gift lived out in our everyday activities. Our actions should show that we have accepted the gift of faith and are trying to live faith-filled lives. Our response to our faith should be seen in our appreciation of the divine power in Jesus.

Lack of appreciation for the divine made people to challenge Jesus about the source of His power and test Him by asking for a sign from Heaven. They wanted Him to perform some spectacular miracle, to prove His credibility, but are completely blind to the presence of God in the ministry of Jesus. The people believe that the reason Jesus has such marvelous authority is because He is in league with the devil. Jesus points out that if two partners work against each other, both will fail. Jesus also remarks that when evil is removed, it must be replaced with goodness and love, otherwise it leaves an opening for evil to return with even a stronger presence. Jesus declares that it is by the finger of God that He drives demons out of the people. God is powerfully at work if we have eyes to see it and not be obsessed with the unusual and the miraculous hunting. It would be a great pity if we fail to see how the Lord is present among us in and through the goodness of others.

May the reign of Christ bring about the end of all evils in our lives and replace it with goodness and love! Amen!! Stay safe and have a nice day!!!