Have you ever gone after what felt like a lost cause? Perhaps you tried to salvage a dress that had a broken strap, yet no matter what you did, the strap continued to break and would not hold, leaving it ultimately unwearable anymore. We can label little tasks as lost causes sure, as material things can be discarded easily. However, when it comes to people, sometimes we make the mistake of keeping to that same perspective, believing that some people just ‘can’t be helped’. If we Fall into this trap of believing that some can’t be helped, then we start to fall away from our call as God’s people, disciples who are sent to reach all people. We can’t see anyone as a lost cause and forget about them Think if God did that for us each time we messed up and turned away from Him. Who are some of the ‘lost causes’ you’ve turned away from and how can you live up to your call of discipleship by helping them see God’s love?

Today's Gospel states:'But some of them said, "He casts out Demons by Be-el'zebul, the prince of demons"; while others, to test him, sought from him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I Cast out demons by Be-el'zebul. And if I cast out demons by Be-el'zebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace; but when one stronger than he assails him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoil. He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. "When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he passes through waterless places seeking rest; and finding none he says, `I will return to my house from which I came.' And when he comes he finds it swept and put in order. Then he goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first"' (Luke 11:15-26).

Today's reading talks about how a kingdom that is divided cannot hope to stand. If we divide ourselves from one another and turn our brothers and sisters away, then we start to fall away from God’s will for us. We are each called to pray for those who need it, who are having a difficult time finding their way and welcoming God back in. Let’s lose this tendency of labelling others as ‘lost causes’ and instead rise to the challenge and show them acts of love and be of aid in any way we can. Take some time to pray and ask God to help you help those who have turned from Him. Today we pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for helping me to see the value in everything you have created. Help me to value every person I pass, and not cast someone off as a lost cause.

I pray in Your most holy name, Amen.