Reflect today on the importance of confidently reproaching the evil one

When it was evening, after sunset, they brought all those who were sick or possessed by demons to him. The whole city was gathered at the gate. He healed many sick of various diseases and cast out many demons, not allowing them to speak because they knew him. Mark 1: 32–34

Today we read that Jesus once again "cast out many demons ..." The passage then adds: "... not allowing them to speak because they knew him".

Why wouldn't Jesus allow these demons to speak? Many early Church fathers explain that even though the demons had an understanding that Jesus was the promised Messiah, they did not fully understand what He meant and how He would accomplish His ultimate victory. Therefore, Jesus did not want them to tell only half-truths about him, as the evil one often does, thus misleading people. So Jesus always forbade these demons to talk about him publicly.

It is important to understand that all demonic spirits failed to understand the full truth that it would be the death of Jesus that will ultimately destroy death itself and deliver all people. For this reason, we see that these diabolical forces have continuously conspired against Jesus and tried to attack him throughout his life. They incited Herod when Jesus was a child, which forced him into exile in Egypt. Satan himself tempted Jesus just before the commencement of his public ministry to try to dissuade him from his mission. There were many evil forces continually attacking Jesus during His public ministry, especially through the continued hostility of the religious leaders of the time. And it can be assumed that these demons initially thought they had won the battle when they accomplished their goal of having Jesus crucified.

The truth, however, is that Jesus' wisdom continually confused these demons and ultimately turned their evil act of crucifying him into a final victory over sin and death itself by rising from the dead. Satan and his demons are real, but with respect to God's truth and wisdom, these diabolical forces reveal their total foolishness and weakness. Just like Jesus, we must rebuke these tempters in our life and command them to be silent. Too often we allow their half-truths to mislead and confuse us.

Reflect today on the importance of confidently reproaching the evil one and the many lies in which it tempts us to believe. Blame him with Christ's truth and authority and pay no attention to what he says.

My precious and almighty Lord, I turn to You and only You as the source of all Truth and fullness of Truth. May I hear only your voice and reject the many deceptions of the evil one and his demons. In Your precious name, Jesus, I rebuke Satan and all evil spirits, their lies and their temptations. I send these spirits to the foot of Your Cross, dear Lord, and I open my mind and my heart only to You. Jesus I believe in you.