Over the past two weeks, we have reflected on an often-overlooked aspect of discipleship: Christ gives His followers “power over unclean spirits.” We began by noting that the devil of reality is not always the devil of the movies. He is usually far more subtle. Rather than coming at us through strange manifestations or obvious evil, he more often works through resentment, fear, discouragement, mistrust, and confusion. His power is limited because he is a creature, not God’s equal. In the end, much of the power he has over us is the power we surrender to him.

Last week, we reflected on an overlooked aspect of discipleship: Christ gives His followers “power over unclean spirits.” Popular culture portrays the demonic dramatically—through frightening possessions, strange manifestations, or a sinister figure dressed in red. In reality, the devil is far more subtle and is often most effective when his work goes unrecognized. We should neither ignore him nor become fascinated by him. Although the devil is real, we do not need to fear him. He is a creature, not God’s equal, and his power is limited. For the most part, the only power he has over us is the power we surrender to him. Belief in the devil does not remove responsibility. He may tempt, manipulate, and exploit our weaknesses, but we remain accountable for our choices.

Since Easter, our Sundays have carried us through a series of great celebrations: Pentecost, the Most Holy Trinity, and last week’s Solemnity of Corpus Christi. This weekend, we return to Ordinary Time. The word “ordinary” does not mean unimportant. It is the season in which the Church reflects on what it means to be disciples of Jesus. In the Gospel this Sunday, Jesus summons the Twelve and gives them “authority over unclean spirits.” He then sends the 12 Apostles out on mission to proclaim that the Kingdom of heaven is at hand, to heal the sick, and to “drive out demons.”

The other weekend I attended the wedding of my nephew in Huntsville, Alabama. My brother’s family is not Catholic. They belong to a non-denominational evangelical church. When I visit them, I usually go to church with them on Sunday morning, and then later I go to Catholic Mass. There is much that my brother’s church does very well. The preaching is excellent. The music is fantastic. The people are friendly. The community is mission-focused and growing. The congregation is full of young families with children. People are engaged, enthusiastic, and serious about their faith. And yet, every time I go, I leave with the same feeling: something is missing.

Over the past few weeks, our bulletin reflections have focused on the “why” and the “how” of the Church. We have reflected on the missionary command of Jesus: “Go, therefore, and make disciples.” We have remembered that the Church does not exist for herself. She exists for mission. We have also reflected on the practical “how” of evangelization: how we serve, how we organize ourselves, how we use our gifts, and how we work together as one parish so that the Gospel may be proclaimed more clearly and fruitfully.