GUARDING AGAINST JEZEBELIC INFLUENCE

HOMILY, MONDAY, 11TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

1Kings 21:1-16, Matthew 5:38-42

The spirit of Jezebel is a stranger in our home.  It is a devilish influence in our lives, relationship, families, communities, and nations. It comes often as an outside influence. It can creep into our lives if we are not careful. It can operate both in a man or a woman.

The fact remains that we cannot walk with God holding hands with devil. We must say no to this bad spirit in ourselves and in others.

Today’s gospel says, “Do not resist evil. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

Though a king, Ahab’s heart could not readily kill Naboth. Instead, he lay down on his bed and turned away his face, and would eat no food. If he is naturally brutal, he would have called for the execution of Naboth. It was, Jezebel, the stranger in his home who did the job and this was complemented by his instinct to acquire. Without reflection on the means, he hurriedly went for the end; he arose to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it. He was badly influenced by the destructive spirit in his wife. He gave in easily because of his greed.

The power to say no to Satan is with us through Jesus Christ our Lord. The possibility of submitting to the devilish influence is in our refusal to work on our vices and repent.

We are called to guard ourselves, our families, homes and nations against foreign invaders. At times, the one who is possessed by this spirit comes as a helper, a mentor, or someone who wants the best for us. If we are not careful, he or she will kill crush life out of us and lure us into evil.

PRAYER

O Lord. Guide my steps and shield me from evil influence. Make good my desires and tailor my longings towards your holy will. Deliver me from whatever is Jezebelic in me.  Thy kingdom come. Amen.