Deacon Brigid Waszczak

They brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. The people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?”

But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul [Satan]… that this fellow drives out demons.”

Jesus… said…, “If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people drive them out?… But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

“Whoever is not with me is against me… I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.”
Matthew 12:22-28, 30

Sisters and Brothers,

Those who know me realize that in any given controversy, I have an opinion. I pick a side. You also know, I try to hear both sides, understand opposing opinions. And, that I sometimes give the benefit of the doubt to the differing party even when I maybe should not. Yet, you definitely know where I stand on an issue.

In the cited scripture, Jesus cautions the Pharisees, “Choose—you’re either with me or against me. Either I heal through the power of God or the power of Satan. Which is it?” (paraphrase)

Sparked by the astonished reaction of the crowd whispering over whether Jesus’ miracle means he is the promised Messiah, the Pharisees maliciously accuse Jesus of doing the work of Satan. “Oh, really?” smirks Jesus. “If I drive out demons by [Satan], by whom do your people drive them out?” Sorry, guys. You can’t have it both ways.

Rather than rejoice over the miracle, the envious Pharisees undermine Jesus with an illogical conclusion because they fear his rise in popularity, his growing following, and his obvious power. Ironically, the demon-possessed man’s sight was restored but the Pharisees are intentionally spiritually blind to God working through Jesus.

Jesus warns these religious reprobates to keep open minds and open hearts. “The very Deity you claim to represent,” he advises, “is at work and you turn a blind eye at your own peril. Charges of sorcery are dangerous,” he counsels them. “How would Satan benefit by my sending away his demons? He’s evil but he’s no fool! Reject the evidence that God is at work through me and you further distance yourselves from God. You’re coming awfully close to calling me and God a liar,” Jesus informs them. “And that… that’s blasphemy!”

It makes me wonder about how and to what might I be spiritually blind? I pray that I’m not so convinced my opinion is right that I refuse to admit indications I am wrong! Sigh. I fear, I may occasionally have a bit of the Pharisee in me. How about you?

Blessings,

—Deacon Brigid