An increase in freedom is a sign of God's grace. Jesus has just healed a man who was mute. Jesus frees him of the demon within. Strangely, however, people accuse Jesus of being evil. So Jesus provides an image:

"When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armour in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder" (Luke 11:21-22).

Jesus is this stronger man, attacking evil spirits and forcing them to leave human hearts. Jesus sets people free.

The Lord warns them, however: an impure spirit that is cast out may return with seven more spirits (Luke 11:24-26).

So it is not enough to be healed. A Christian is invited to cooperate with Jesus each day. Every day we have the choice to go back to former ways or to draw closer to Jesus. Jesus does not want us to stagnate, but rather, keep moving forward with him in freedom and love.

Such choices are not easy, and we may succumb to sin. Yet, each time we choose to cooperate with Jesus, we grow, we become more fully human.