Oculi 2024

St. Luke 11.14-28

March 3, 2024

There can be no neutrality with respect to Jesus. “He who is not with Me is against Me.” Still some want it both ways. They want to think of themselves as Christians, but they refuse to make a real break from the Old Adam, the sinful nature. C.F.W. Walther, nineteenth-century German pastor who came to America, he called those who want it both ways “half-Christians”:

They are straddling the fence, and thus do not belong in Christ's kingdom but in the kingdom of the devil. Such half-Christians are among the most accursed subjects of the devil. They think that, going down the middle of the road, they are on firm footing as members of Christ's kingdom. But their faith is imaginary, and they are, in the end, traveling the road to hell. [God Grant It, p279]

Brothers, are we “half-Christians”? Daily we live in danger of it. Don’t underestimate the devil’s power. The great sixteenth century reformer of the church, Martin Luther, put it this way:  “[The devil can in a moment] recast and pervert a godly man who has a strong faith, and beguile a pious husband, who today is living chastely in his marriage, to become an adulterer tomorrow" (Luther, HP 1:336). These are the obvious ways, where a man falls because of lust. But there are other, more insidious ways to fall: Anger, hatred, vengeance, plotting, scheming, factionalism. Others are driven to despair, crippled by anxiety, and decide to turn back.

When so-called Christians tell lies about you, slander you, hurt your reputation, you are ready to turn back. When you feel the emptiness of your own unworthiness, it’s tempting to jettison your religion.

And make no mistake, this is a religion, not merely a relationship. Relationships are feelings, religion is something you are bound to, irrespective of the circumstances day-to-day or year-to-year.

When you’re weary of the battle, and tempted to get out, you're experiencing what the psalmist expresses in today’s antiphon: “I am desolate and afflicted.” You ever feel that way? Lonely? No one to turn to? No one who can really share your suffering? The Bible says it is not good for the man to be alone, but that is what the sin does – it separates us both from God and our neighbor.

There is another method the devil uses to disciples into “half-Christians” – through "empty words.” St. Paul says in today’s Epistle: “Let no one deceive you with empty words.” An example of “empty words” is the announcement of forgiveness apart from genuine contrition and repentance. Do you make no effort at amending your sinful life? St. Paul shows us some characteristics of those who embrace the empty words of forgiveness without repentance: they do not imitate God, they do not walk in love, they engage in sexual immorality, impurity, covetousness, filthiness. There is foolish talking, crude joking, or coveting (desiring what God has not given you). Do not be deceived: those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of Christ and God.

Does your life outside the church match what you say in it?

The name of this Sunday is Oculi. It means “eyes,” from the beginning of the Introit: “My eyes are ever toward the Lord.” Being a disciple of Jesus is not an intellectual exercise, but an all-encompassing life. Last Sunday the Gospel held before us a woman persistent in prayer. Her daughter was freed from the demon. Today’s Gospel addresses what comes next. Don’t turn back!

The way is difficult, the struggle is long. The adversary seems too strong. That’s how he’s depicted here: a strong man with armor and a fortress. It’s easy to give up and simply embrace the false peace he offers. But that way is death. We don’t give up. The stronger one is by our side upon the plain. His weapons of Word and the Sacraments work. They alone have potency. Only the Means of Grace, i.e., the gifts of Christ, can make you truly free.

So here is what you should take away from today’s Gospel: Christ has overcome the strong man, the devil. Alone you have no power. But you are not alone. You are not desolate and afflicted. You are in Christ, and so you are never alone in this life’s struggle against the devil, against the pattern of this world, and against your own sinful flesh. Your eyes are ever toward the LORD, and He shall pluck your feet out of the devil’s net.