Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Today Jesus says that “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste.” Jesus was very clear that division among the apostles and disciples was dangerous. One of his last prayers, found in the Gospel of John, was that we might all be one. Jesus prayed that for us at the Last Supper.
Yet, that same night, Judas betrayed him, and the other disciples scattered into the darkness when Jesus was arrested. Peter denied him. This was the lowest point in the history of our Church. It was a church divided against Jesus himself.
After the Resurrection, Jesus had to gather his flock of disciples back together and unite them to himself with the Eucharist and power of the Holy Spirit. Still, as we know, over the centuries, the devil has attempted to divide us against one another over and over again. The devil is happiest when we are divided, not only against one another, but against God.
So, Jesus says, “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” Gathering together is what Jesus does. Scattering and ripping apart is what the devil does.