March 7, 2024 — Thursday, Third Week of Lent — Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, for I am gracious and merciful — Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke (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.”