“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” This is a striking statement in today’s Gospel. There were many organizations created but with different goals. At first glance, organizing seems to promote unity. This however is not the general rule because not all organizations are good. There are organizations, groups, or parties created to divide. Today’s Gospel helps me to distinguish such groups, whether they are for unity or destruction.

I was a member of such kind of organization before. It claims to be humanitarian and God-centered as is written in the organization’s preamble. “We the members of… imploring the aid of Almighty God …” These could entice neophytes to join the organization with these claims and statements as fronts. In my experience as a member, however, I never felt the real presence of God within that organization. During my stay there, it was all about violence and trouble. To be officially recognized as part of that organization, he must go through an initiation rite that involves physical torture. This kind of practice is inhumane.

A truly unitive organization must always be rooted and centered in Christ. One thing is certain: this organization will do good and serve the common good. As social beings, we long and must belong to a certain group, be it family, work, and the like. The question is: Do I experience unity here? Is my group rooted and centered in Christ?

By: Sem. Niñonel Setosta

Today’s Gospel

Lk 11:14-23

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.
Some of them said, “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons,
he drives out demons.”
Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven.
But he knew their thoughts and said to them,
“Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste
and house will fall against house.
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.
If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul,
by whom do your own people drive them out?
Therefore they will be your judges.
But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons,
then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.
When a strong man fully armed guards his palace,
his possessions are safe.
But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him,
he takes away the armor on which he relied
and distributes the spoils.
Whoever is not with me is against me,
and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”