The opening line of today’s Gospel is provocative to say the least: “Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits.” What are unclean spirits and why does Jesus give his disciples authority over them? What do these questions mean for you and me in our day-to-day lives? Of course, these are complex questions which cannot all be probed in this format. However, I can begin to expand our understanding of this passage.
An unclean spirit is an ideology, compulsion, or mood that possesses the mind, imagination, and will in a destructive manner. Examples include such things as addictions, distorted beliefs, phobias, obsessions, depressive attitudes, fits of anger and so forth. These unclean spirits, which can possess both individuals and societies-at-large, are energetic currents that have the capacity to carry us down dark paths. It is obvious that the United States is wrestling with many forms of unclean spirits. What is particularly insidious about unclean spirits is that they play to the darker elements of the individual and collective subconscious mind; this is how they gain a foothold in our lives.
The antidote to such unclean spirits is true authority. I am not talking about oppressive forms of power, but rather the power of truth, beauty, and goodness. These do not include mental beliefs, dry dogmas, or other forms of ideology. Truth, beauty, and goodness are pure expressions of God’s love manifesting within creation. The power of these energetic forces overrides unclean spirits, heals wounds, restores balance, harmonizes people, washes away all that is impure, and inspires the better angels of our nature.
You and I are called to drive out unclean spirits, not by great sermons, but by the consciousness we bring to our daily lives. A smile, for example, has the potential to cleanse another person’s sadness. An encouraging word can give hope to someone struggling with despair. Words of wisdom can bring clarity to an individual who is lost and confused. In our own humble way we are all called to be spiritual teachers, to be light in the midst of darkness. Yogananda teaches us, “Every spiritual teacher should pass his life more in meditation in order to be able to transmit spirituality to real seekers… Vibrate into others your God-realization and show them that the kingdom of heaven and the state of attunement with the heavenly powers of astral vibrations lies within their reach.”
Master Jesus, Beloved Guruji
You give me authority
Over unclean spirits.
May I bring light
Into darkness.
