The Veil of Neutrality!

Friday, October 9, 2026

Gal 3: 7-14; Lk 11:15-26

Today’s Gospel highlights Jesus facing unjust accusations of partnering with a demon. 

In his answer, Jesus not only responds to the accusations against him but also exposes ‘the veil of neutrality.’

In this regard, Jesus’ teaching is quite clear: ‘Whoever is not with me is against me and whoever does not gather with me scatters.’ Interpreted in context, the words mean that, between Jesus and the demon, we have to make our choice. Sometimes not taking sides is hailed as wisdom. However, Jesus exposes the danger of such neutrality here. 

Jesus, the Truth, demands our response. We may be comfortable about staying in the middle. But with anything good and things that concern God, neutrality is never an option. On the contrary, neutrality might point to regression. If we do not stand with Jesus, we might not just stand stagnant but might give in to the power of evil forces as well.

Here, the discussion leads us to the image of an empty house. Jesus speaks of the unclean spirit leaving a person and later returning. But when it finds the house ‘swept clean and put in order’ – empty – it brings back ‘seven other spirits.’ Jesus teaches that the problem is not only the evil we remove but also the emptiness we leave behind. To put it differently, virtues must take the place of vices. Spiritually speaking, Jesus is the one who can heal our inner vacuum. 

Let us pray for a heart filled with Christ. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar