3/12/2026 (Thursday) Today’s Gospel reading: Luke 11:14-23

14 Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the crowds were amazed.
15 Some of them said, “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.”
16 Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven.
17 But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house.
18 And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons.
19 If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges.
20 But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.
21 When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe.
22 But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armour on which he relied and distributes the spoils.
23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”

3/12/2026 (Thursday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Luke 11:14-23

In life, goodness often faces misunderstanding. Even when something clearly brings healing, freedom, or hope, there are people who question it, criticize it, or try to explain it away. The story in the Gospel above reminds us that whenever genuine good disrupts darkness, opposition will often follow.

In the passage, a man who had been unable to speak was finally set free from his condition. Instead of everyone celebrating the miracle, reactions were divided. Some were amazed, but others tried to discredit the good that had happened. Rather than accepting that God’s power was at work, they accused the healer of working with evil forces. Their hearts were so hardened that they could not recognize goodness even when it was right in front of them.

This situation still happens in our modern world. Think about someone who sincerely works to help the poor, defend the weak, or stand for justice. Instead of receiving encouragement, that person may face suspicion, criticism, or even hostility. In social media today, a kind action can quickly become the target of negative comments. A volunteer feeding homeless people might be accused of having hidden motives. A person who chooses honesty in business may be mocked for not taking advantage of opportunities. Goodness sometimes threatens people who are comfortable with the status quo.

Yet the message of this story reminds us of an important truth: real goodness cannot come from a divided heart. When someone consistently brings healing, unity, and restoration, it reflects a deeper source of strength and truth. Darkness cannot produce lasting light. True goodness comes from a heart aligned with God’s purpose.

Another important lesson is the idea of spiritual neutrality. The story challenges the comfortable belief that one can remain uninvolved in the struggle between good and evil. In reality, every choice we make places us on one side or the other. When we choose compassion instead of indifference, honesty instead of corruption, or forgiveness instead of revenge, we participate in building the kingdom of goodness in our world.

Consider everyday situations. A student who refuses to join classmates in bullying someone is choosing the side of goodness. An employee who refuses to falsify reports, even when pressured by coworkers, is standing for truth. A family member who works patiently to reconcile broken relationships is choosing unity over division. These choices may seem small, but they strengthen the forces of light in our communities.

The story also reminds us that goodness is stronger than evil. When someone stronger comes and overpowers the one who holds people captive, freedom becomes possible. This reflects the hope that no matter how strong darkness appears in society—whether through injustice, hatred, or selfishness; it will not have the final word. Truth, compassion, and righteousness ultimately prevail.

Today’s world needs people who courageously stand on the side of goodness. It needs individuals who refuse to be silent when kindness is mocked or when truth is distorted. The invitation of this passage is simple but powerful: choose your side wisely. Stand with what heals, restores, and uplifts others.

When we align our lives with goodness, we become instruments of freedom and hope. And even if some people misunderstand or criticize us, the light we bring into the world will speak louder than any accusation.

Go here to read further Gospel reflection.