Reflection Date: March 12, 2026 | Thursday of the Third Week of Lent
Daily Readings: Jeremiah 7:23-28; Luke 11:14-23
Children of God:
Have you witnessed an actual exorcism?
Filipino Catholic actor Alden Richards has publicly shared that he has witnessed or assisted in at least three actual exorcisms, describing them as intense, indeed real-life experiences.
Working with Fr. Jeff, a Diocese of Antipolo exorcist, Alden assisted with a possessed fan and witnessed intense demonic manifestations.
On the day of the exorcism, unusual obstacles arose: the priest arrived hours late after getting lost despite GPS, suffered a severe headache, and appeared visibly uneasy while inspecting the house, remarking on the strong presence of dark forces.
Not only that. Later that evening, while dining together, Alden noticed scratches forming on his forearm, slowly turning red, then bleeding before their eyes. Fr. Jeff immediately applied exorcism oil and reminded him to deepen his faith.
He narrated that what he saw was far from what movies portray. The experience left him shaken but also convinced that spiritual realities are true.
He realized that evil is not imaginary. He also realized that that faith and authority in Christ were powerful and effective.
In the gospel of Luke, Jesus had driven out a demon from a mute man, and when the demon left, the man spoke.
Some people were amazed, but others accused him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul.
Jesus had responded by saying that a kingdom divided against itself would collapse. He had declared that if he drove out demons by the finger of God, then the Kingdom of God had come upon them.
What are our inspirations for today?
First, Power without God collapses, but power with God conquers.
Jesus had exposed the illogical accusation of his critics by explaining that Satan would not fight against himself. A divided kingdom could not stand.
His authority did not come from darkness but from the finger of God.
The crowd had seen the miracle, yet some hearts remained closed.
Today we are invited to examine where do we draw our strength.
We may have influence, skills, or resources, but without God, they crumble under pressure.
With God, even quiet faith becomes victorious in unseen battles.
Second, No middle ground, no neutral ground.
Jesus had spoken clearly that whoever was not with him was against him, and whoever did not gather with him scattered.
His words left no space for indecision. Allegiance was necessary.
Many people in the crowd had stood watching, curious but cautious. They saw power but hesitated to commit.
Now we reflect on our own stance. Do we openly stand with Christ in our choices, conversations, and convictions? Do we resist evil actively, or do we allow compromise to settle in our hearts? Are we gathering with Christ through love and truth, or are we scattering through silence and fear?
Children of God:
The battle described in the gospel was not only about one possessed man but about the allegiance of every heart.
Every decision we make either strengthens light or feeds darkness within us.
Lent reminds us that conversion is choosing sides daily.
Christ is stronger than any force that binds us. Let us stand firmly with him and allow his power to free us from within.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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