4 July 2027 · Syro-Malankara Rite
Open in the Daily Word appAlso: മലയാളം
“If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.” Mark 3:25
When Jesus casts out demons, some scribes say he does it by the ruler of demons. Jesus answers: “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.” Satan divides; Christ unites. Wherever the Spirit is at work, he builds communion: in hearts, families, parishes and between Churches.
Jesus then gives a solemn warning: “Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness.” The Church teaches that this is not a sin too great for God's mercy, but the refusal to accept that mercy: calling the Spirit's work evil and so closing the door through which forgiveness comes. In the evening Gospel Jesus adds: “by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
St Paul tells the Ephesians that Christ “is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.” Jews and Gentiles, once far apart, are now “citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.” Isaiah had promised: “Peace, peace, to the far and the near, says the LORD; and I will heal them.”
The first Christians, threatened by the authorities, did not divide or despair. They prayed together: “Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness.” “When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.” United prayer brings the Spirit; the Spirit brings courage.
Theme: “He is our peace.”
Jesus warns that a house divided against itself cannot stand. Paul proclaims that Christ has broken down the dividing wall. The Spirit who shook the place where the apostles prayed gives us boldness and unity.
“Peace, peace, to the far and the near, says the LORD; and I will heal them.” Isaiah 57:19
“If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.” Mark 3:24–25
Apply: Take the first step to heal one division in your family or neighbourhood.
“For on this day atonement shall be made for you, to cleanse you; from all your sins you shall be clean before the LORD.” Leviticus 16:30
“For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.” Ephesians 2:14
Apply: Pray this week for Christian unity, especially among the Churches of Kerala.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs 18:21
“I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36–37
Apply: Fast from gossip and harsh words for one week.
Christ unites what sin divides; the Spirit gives words that build up.
Let us be peacemakers in our homes and bold witnesses in the world.
Take-home resolution: Pray Psalm 133 as a family each evening this week.
Dear brothers and sisters, when Jesus drove out demons, his enemies said he was working with Satan. Jesus answered: “If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.” The devil's work is division: between husband and wife, parents and children, neighbours, parishes, even Churches. The Spirit's work is communion.
Then Jesus warns about the sin against the Holy Spirit, which can never be forgiven. People sometimes fear they have committed it. But the Church teaches: God's mercy has no limits. This sin is to refuse that mercy to the end, to call the Spirit's work evil and close the door. If you are worried that you have committed it, that very worry shows you have not. And Jesus adds: “by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Our tongues can build or destroy.
St Paul says: Christ “is our peace; he has broken down the dividing wall of hostility.” Through his blood those who were far off have been brought near. We who were strangers are now members of God's household, built on the apostles with Christ as the cornerstone.
When the first Christians were threatened, they did not divide; they prayed together, and the place was shaken, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Let us do the same. This week take one step to heal a division: a phone call, an apology, a visit. Guard your words. And pray for the unity of all the children of St Thomas. Amen.
Children, Jesus said: a house where everyone fights cannot stand. It falls down!
Jesus wants our families to be strong, with people who forgive each other and help each other.
Is there someone you quarrelled with? Can you say sorry this week? Let's pray: “Jesus, make our family one!”
Lord Jesus, you are our peace; you broke down the dividing wall of hostility. Heal the divisions in our hearts, families, parishes and Churches. Guard our tongues, keep us open to the mercy of your Spirit, and fill us with boldness to speak your word. Amen.