Jesus Strong Man Establishes Kingdom – Mar 12 – Homily – Fr Dominic

 

Fr Dominic gives the homily at Griswold, CT, on Mar 12, 2026, refuting the Pharisees' accusation that Jesus casts out demons by Beelzebul and affirming it is by the finger of God, ushering in the kingdom.

In the Gospel, Jesus heals a man who was mute, but the Pharisees harass him, claiming he does so by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Jesus points out the illogic: Satan can't drive out Satan, or his kingdom would fall. Instead, his power is from God, like the "finger of God" the Egyptian magicians recognized when they couldn't replicate Moses' plagues, such as the gnats. This power casts out demons and establishes God's kingdom. Fr. Dominic urges us to join Jesus in this work through prayer and good works, gathering for him rather than scattering his efforts. Jesus is the strong man who frees us from evil when we turn to him.

USCCB Luke 11 – Beelzebul exorcism Gospel – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/11?14
USCCB Exodus 8 – Finger of God plagues – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/exodus/8?19
USCCB 2 Timothy 3 – Jannes Jambres names – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2timothy/3?8
Catechism para 700 – Holy Spirit finger – https://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/700.htm
Catechism para 543 – Kingdom arrival signs – https://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/543.htm
Catechism para 1673 – Church exorcism rites – https://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1673.htm

00:00 - Pharisees Accuse Jesus
00:30 - Beelzebul Drives Demons
01:00 - Finger of God Power
01:20 - Moses Magicians Reference
02:30 - Gather Through Good Works

Ave Maria!

Mass: Thursday 3rd Week of Lent - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031226.cfm
1st: Jeremiah 7:23-28
Resp: Psalms 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
Gsp: Luke 11:14-23

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1755

Also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oyzw0vKlwM