Thursday of the Third Week of Lent
"By the power of Beelzebub" refers to an accusation made by his opponents against Jesus in today’s Gospel (Luke 11:14-23). Certain Pharisees claimed our Lord cast out demons using the power of the "ruler of demons," rather than divine power, a charge Jesus refutes. In other contexts, Beelzebub (literally "Lord of the Flies") is associated with gluttony, appearing in ancient Babylonian writings, medieval demonology and modern fiction with various demonic abilities.
More specifically the accusation was that Jesus was using Beelzebub, the “prince of demons”, to perform miracles, specifically exorcisms. Jesus countered that “a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand” (Luke 11:18), asking how Satan could cast out his own demons.
Beelzebub is a powerful demon and sometimes considered Satan's chief lieutenant. The name comes from a Philistine deity, Baal, meaning "Lord of the Flies" (Ba'al Zebub). Beelzebub’s mission is to turn people away from God and lead them into pride. His goals include:
- Fueling confusion/chaos
- Encouraging idolatry
- Instilling arrogance
He feeds on people who drift from truth, live in self-righteousness and align themselves with his chaotic nature. Beelzebub seeks to confuse and divide, one against the other, at every turn. Aren’t we, too, influenced by this same demonic prince whenever there is gaslighting, manipulation, or corruption?
Each one of us might honestly reflect about this more on this Lenten Thursday.
Let us pray, Lord, almighty, merciful and omnipotent God, drive out from us all influence of demonic spirits. In the name of Jesus, command all spiritual opponents of God to leave us forever. Amen.
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, cast into hell Satan and all evil spirits who prowl the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
—Pope Leo XIII.
—Timothy J. Cronin