Demons will sometimes say the right thing but never at the right time. Continually trying to disrupt God's timing, they say the truth when it's most likely to be misunderstood. The devil is the father of lies, the master liar. He can even lie when speaking the truth.

When Jesus delivered the demoniac in the synagogue, the unclean spirit confessed Jesus as "the Holy One of God" (Lk 4:34). It was not God's will for this to be revealed at that time, so "Jesus said to him sharply, 'Be quiet!' " (Lk 4:35) Later that evening, Jesus stopped the demons from confessing Him as the Son of God. Jesus' disciples have the same trouble. For example, a girl with a clairvoyant spirit followed Paul for several days shouting: "These men are servants of the Most High God; they will make known to you a way of salvation" (Acts 16:17). This was true and sounded good, but was not of God. "Finally Paul became annoyed, turned around, and said to the spirit, 'In the name of Jesus Christ I command you, come out of her!' Then and there the spirit left her" (Acts 16:18).

Do you ever speak out of turn? Do you ever say the right thing at the wrong time? Most of us sin by refusing to tell the good news. At times, however, we sin by commission rather than omission. Be on time.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 8, 2005

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