No Vacancy

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101025.cfm

There is a lot to think about in today's Gospel with the casting out of demons and accusations being levied, etc., but there is a very curious 'parable' that seems to make it seem like you would not want a demon cast out:

“When an unclean spirit goes out of someone,

it roams through arid regions searching for rest

but, finding none, it says, ‘I shall return to my home from which I came.’

But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order.

Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits

more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there,

and the last condition of that man is worse than the first.”

Why would Jesus share this parable? Is He saying that once one has a demon it will only continue to get worse? Well I don't think that is supported by scripture as we'll see, but I think I can illustrate from a common example. If you have ever cleared off a level spot in your house - a counter, a table, etc. you know that it will immediately begin to gather papers and keys and gadgets with alarming quickness. I know that some of you have experienced this.

This is not just a silly observation, though. Those experienced in contemplative prayer will tell you that the object is not to empty your mind. First off, it's hard to do, and secondly it then stands as an equal invitation for any thought or influence to enter. The better approach is to have a focus word or phrase and a common one is the name of Jesus. When you fill the space with Jesus, you are inviting Him only to fill this void. We can't just leave our mind in 'neutral'. Jesus even says "Whoever is not with me is against me." This leaves out the option of neutral if we want to be a follower of Christ.

This is true in a practical way as well. When we are struggling to rid ourselves of bad habits, (our demons), we should strive to replace them with good habits. Example: If you want to cut sweets out of your diet, you are best served by replacing them with something else, so that your appetite is not left wanting. (a lesson I have learned and then forgotten more times than I would like to admit). I have had confessors that have done this for me in helping me with habitual sins. If we don't fill the voided space, there is a great likelihood that the old demon will be back, and sometimes with a vengeance. Can I get an amen??

So when you are exorcising the demons in your life, fill the voids with positive work: caring for the poor, the elderly, a new prayer habit, a new scripture habit. One that I have recently been reminded of is just inviting the Trinity into your moments of temptation and challenge by making the sign of the Cross and saying 'In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit'. You can choose any of these, or something else, just don't hang out the VACANCY sign.