A Gospel according to Mk 1:21-28
Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.
REFLECTION
“What is this?
A new teaching with authority.
Today's saint is Blessed William Carter. He lived during the reign of Elizabeth I. During this time religious beliefs were not tolerated by Elizabeth's regime. In fact, those who practiced the Catholic faith lived dangerously. They could be arrested and charged with high treason.
William worked for a Catholic printing company in London. Both he and the owner of the printing company were arrested several times for printing material that encouraged Catholics to persevere in their faith. His home was invaded by the government officials and searched. The officials found vestments and "suspect books" in his home. They even harassed his wife into giving information about her husband. William was arrested, held in prison for 18 months, and tortured. During his imprisonment, he found out that his wife died.
Finally, he was tried by jury under the charge of "printing and publishing the Treatise of Schisme." The lawyers claimed that this work was used to incite violence and insurrection by Catholics. He was called a traitor to his Queen and country. The jury only took 15 minutes to give him a guilty verdict.
While William awaited execution, he was able to go to confession to a priest who was tried with him. They were hung, drawn, and quartered the next day.
He died January 11, 1584, and was beatified in 1987.
Blessed William Carter was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. He like Jesus was hated for speaking the truth. Even though Jesus could cast out those possessed by demons, those in power were afraid of His authority and His truth.
We must learn all we can from Jesus. Join us for FACE ZBS. Learn from Jesus' example and Words. The Word of God is powerful and will transform you.
Contact us for the link to join us this Wednesday for FACE ZBS at 12:00 PM CST.
papa@papamio.org . Here is the link to the last FACE ZBS recording.
God bless you all!
References
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