Today's Gospel in Lent, 27 March: Gathering or scattering
Good Shepherd
Luke 11:14-23
Now he [Jesus] was casting out a demon that was mute; when the demon had gone out, the one who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.” Others, to test him, kept demanding from him a sign from heaven.
But he knew what they were thinking and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house. If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? —for you say that I cast out the demons by Beelzebul.Now if I cast out the demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his castle, his property is safe. But when one stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his plunder. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
Christian Art
You can read or listen to a reflection on the gospel here:
https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-11-14-23-2025/
Sacred Space
You can find a gentle prayer aid and devotional here:
https://sacredspace.com/daily-prayer/2025-03-27/
Some prayers for today on the theme of The Cross of Christ, reconciliation and human relationships
(From Book of Common Prayer, Church of Ireland 2004; see https://www.churchofireland.org/prayer-worship/lectionary/daily-prayer?day=2025-03-26)
Collect of the Day
Merciful Lord,
Grant your people grace to withstand the temptations
of the world, the flesh and the devil
and with pure hearts and minds to follow you, the only God;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Almighty and everlasting God,
you hate nothing that you have made
and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent:
Create and make in us new and contrite hearts
that we, worthily lamenting our sins
and acknowledging our wretchedness,
may receive from you, the God of all mercy,
perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Loving Father,
you have reconciled us to yourself in Christ;
by your Spirit you enable us to live as your sons and daughters.
Intercessions
We pray for [Personal Relationships]
the home, and family life ...
children deprived of home ...
friends, relations and neighbours ...
relationships in daily life and work ...
those who are estranged ...
those who feel unloved ...
all ministries of care ...
Thanksgiving
Loving Father, we give you thanks
for the obedience of Christ fulfilled in the cross,
his bearing of the sin of the world,
his mercy for the world, which never fails ...
for the joy of loving and being loved,
for friendship,
the lives to which our own are bound,
the gift of peace with you and with one another ...
for the communities in whose life we share
and all relationships in which reconciliation may be known ...
Concluding prayer
Help us to share in Christ’s ministry
of love and service to one another;
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord,
who in the unity of the Holy Spirit
is one with you for ever. Amen.
From Book of Common Prayer, Church of Ireland 2004
