Reflection:
It takes so long to truly “grow up!” When I was young, I thought I’d be a fully grown-up adult who had it all together by the time I was 30. Now it’s decades later and I haven’t reached that point yet!
Since all of us, including our families of origin, are so imperfect, part of the issue is counteracting things I learned and experienced from my very youngest years. They became so deeply ingrained and familiar that they’re sometimes hard to recognize, and they’re extremely difficult to overcome. Some relate to my desire for control and security, some are deep-seated fears that drive instant reactions, some are “givens” I’ve never challenged, some result from traumatic experiences – there are a plethora of sources.
I’ve seen parallels with Jesus’ admonition about driving out demons, then cleaning and getting the house in order, only to have those same demons move back in. My own demons are tricky, trying to “move back in” by showing up in a different way, or in different circumstances or relationships. Just when I think I’ve left one behind, it crops up again! My mom often said we have “persistent little devils.” I realize now how closely her insight aligned with that of Jesus. With the help of prayer, good friends, and a wonderful therapist, I’m improving over time at recognizing demons, and I’ve developed tools and strategies to grow beyond them. Yet I suspect that some will be a struggle all my life.
So, what are your demons? What attitudes, cravings, and desires do you need to “clean out” and grow beyond?
Perhaps this week we can all pray for a good interior housecleaning, calling on the help of Jesus, the saints and angels, all those living and dead whom we love, and even a good therapist!
Also, turn your gaze outward, where cravings for power, greed, control, and domination run rampant. These destructive, dehumanizing demons cause untold suffering and allow evil to flourish. Alongside cleaning our own houses, we need wisdom and courage to act in every way we can to call out our world’s demons, clean up our communal home, and guard the doors to keep them out.
Can we build a clean house of living stones, both on an individual level and in our communities? Then perhaps can act together to have an impact on the wider level, spreading the dawn of God’s light to the world and keeping the demons at bay. Are you willing to try?
