I remember a priest’s comment about attacks by the evil one: “A thief does not rob an empty house, only one with treasure! You have something powerful that he wants to destroy: your relationship with God.”

But we do not need to fear. Today’s readings offer a home-security plan for the soul: let God be the master of the house.

In Galatians 3:7-14, we see that through faith and trust in Jesus Christ we receive justification — all who believe share in his spiritual blessing. Psalm 111 echoes that confidence: God’s covenant with his people and his good works for us endure forever.

In Luke 11:15–26, Jesus makes clear that the demon was cast aside by “the finger of God,” who is greater than any demon or thief. But he also warns, “Whoever is not with me is against me.” We cannot rest passively on God’s free gift of redemption. Like Jesus, we must keep moving — proclaiming, resisting sin, and acting for the good of ourselves and others.

Is Satan roaming the world, robbing houses and seeking souls? You bet. Does he want to rob my house of its protective relationship with God? You bet. Should I be afraid? No. I have a home security system.

For those who have faith in Jesus, trust his redemptive protection, avoid sin, take action, and proclaim his sovereignty by accepting the Holy Spirit as the master of the house, the right response is diligence, not fear. To fear would be to doubt the Housemaster’s promises; to be diligent is to remember that we must never switch off the system.

Prayer:

Lord, please take my hand off the switch!