In both Scripture readings today, we see advanced stages of evil. Jacob's years of deception came back to haunt him when he was deceived by his sons, who almost murdered their brother Joseph and eventually sold him into slavery (Gn 37:28). In today's Gospel reading, Jesus describes centuries of rebellion against God's will. This rebellion culminated in murdering Jesus, the Messiah and Son of God.

We see many strongholds of the evil one in our midst (see 2 Cor 10:4). We see advanced stages of evil which have grown worse over the centuries. Many Christians doubt if these strongholds can be toppled, but the Lord promises us that His grace far surpasses even the most advanced stages of evil (Rm 5:20). There is One greater in us "than there is in the world" (1 Jn 4:4). Although we acknowledge the formidable power of the evil one in perverting society, God's power of converting the world is much greater. For example, over the last few decades, we have caught a glimpse of God's power over evil in the fall of Communism.

To overcome generational, diabolical strongholds of evil in their advanced stages, we need only obey God (see 2 Cor 10:6; Rm 16:19-20). If we go when the Lord says "Go," pray when He commands to pray, speak when He calls us to be His witnesses, fast when He says "Fast," stop when He says "Stop," we will see freed and converted families, renewed churches, obedient and Christ_centered nations, and repentant institutions and businesses. Believe and obey.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, September 28, 2015

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