Demons believe in God (Jas 2:19). In the Gospels, demons address Jesus by various titles: "Son of God" (Mt 8:29; Lk 4:41); "Holy One of God" (Lk 4:34); "Son of God Most High" (Lk 8:28). However, the demons never address Jesus by the title "Lord." This is because the title "Lord" implies ownership, and demons have rebelled against being ruled by God (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 414). Scripture says, "No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord,' except in the Holy Spirit" (1 Cor 12:3), and demons do not live according to the Spirit of God.
How about us? Are we rebelling against God and not living according to the Holy Spirit? Are we any better than the demons? Otherwise, we won't be able to address Jesus as Lord. Calling Jesus "Lord" has life-changing ramifications, in particular, obedience to Jesus. Lord Jesus declares: "None of those who cry out, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of God but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven" (Mt 7:21). "Lord" is a serious word.
The next time you attend Mass, count the number of times you hear the word "Lord" spoken in reference to Jesus. This is both a profession of reality and a declaration of joyful submission to Lord Jesus. Jesus really and truly is Lord, that is, He is our Owner (see 1 Cor 6:19-20). We owe Lord Jesus obedience and total allegiance in a world hostile to his lordship (see Lk 19:14). Repent of any refusal to submit to the lordship of Jesus in your life. Accept Jesus as your Lord.
| PRAYER: | Lord Jesus, at every Mass, whenever we speak the word "Lord," may we gratefully submit every facet of our lives to Your lordship. "Lord, hear our prayer." |
| PROMISE: | "The Lord gives sight to the blind." –Ps 146:8 |
| PRAISE: | St. Ephrem of Syria was nicknamed the "Harp of the Holy Spirit." He fought heresy by taking popular hymns of his time and rewriting the words to teach the truths of the Faith. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College