God is not engaged in a power struggle with the devil. He is above everything, so no opposition can pose a credible threat to him or his kingdom. His strength is absolute, his intentions are pure, and his desires for us are perfect. So why should he—or any of his followers— fear the devil? Remember:  Your power is so great that your enemies bow down in fear before you (Psa 66:3).

Thursday in the Third Week of Lent
Jeremiah 7:23-28
Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
Luke 11:14-23 Now he was casting out a demon that was dumb; when the demon had gone out, the dumb man spoke, and the people marveled. 15 But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Be-el'zebul, the prince of demons"; 16 while others, to test him, sought from him a sign from heaven. 17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. 18 And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Be-el'zebul. 19 And if I cast out demons by Be-el'zebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 20 But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace; 22 but when one stronger than he assails him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted, and
divides his spoil. 23 He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. 

Meditation
“It is by the finger of God that I drive out demons.” (Luke 11:20) 
The crowds were amazed by the display of power that Jesus had just demonstrated. How could he drive out demons? Demons were strong, fearsome enemies of God and his people. So how could Jesus—whom they thought to be just another man—possibly overpower one of them? Surely Jesus was an agent of the devil. How else could he have so much power? 
Can you imagine how absurd such an accusation must have sounded? Satan isn’t in the business of healing and restoring. He’s the one who divides and destroys. No, it had to be God’s power at work. And Jesus affirmed this when he told them: “If it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you” (Luke 11:20). 
The kingdom of God! The kingdom of One who is always good. The kingdom of One who created all things and who sustains all things in love. The kingdom of One who forgives, comforts, and redeems. This is the King. And his kingdom has come! 
God is not engaged in a power struggle with the devil. He is above everything, so no opposition can pose a credible threat to him or his kingdom. His strength is absolute, his intentions are pure, and his desires for us are perfect. So why should he—or any of his followers— fear the devil? Remember: All his enemies, even Satan, cringe before him (Psalm 66:3). 
Today’s passage talks about the ease with which we can be set free from the devil’s temptation. But there is one condition: We need to “gather” with Jesus. We need to be connected with him in prayer, and we need to be connected with each other in fellowship, love, and trust. Jesus promised that when two or more are gathered in his name, he is present in a powerful way (Matthew 18:19). So if you want to know the grace, the power, and the freedom of being in his kingdom, seek out your fellow citizens in your parish. Get to know them. Start to share your life with them. Pray for each other, and support each other. Who knows where God will lead you? 
“Thank you, Jesus, for calling me into your kingdom! I am yours, Lord, and I know you will shield me and guide me today.”