Tuesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

READINGS

Gospel Luke 4:31-37

Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee. He taught them on the sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out in a loud voice, “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, “Be quiet! Come out of him!”Then the demon threw the man down in front of the them and came out of him without doing him any harm. They were all amazed and said to one another, “What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.”And news of him spread everywhere in the surrounding region.

REFLECTION

“What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out."

During a retreat, I was praying the rosary before the Blessed Sacrament with the group when someone there suddenly had a "fit". Initially, I didn't realize what was occurring until the individual began twisting and contorting on the floor, then started speaking and shouting obscenities at the priest. The priest signaled us to keep praying while he sprinkled holy water, prayed over the person in Latin, and recited Scriptures. Eventually, the person joined us in praying a Hail Mary as the priest instructed them to do.

Afterward, the person rose to their knees and finished praying with us.

God speaks to us in the Sacred Scripture with authority, because He is the author. We can see how His word is powerful. The power of His Words can free a soul from possession by evil spirits.

Are we amazed like the people of Jesus' time on earth? Do we recognize His authority in our own lives? Do we seek His presence, obey His commands, and trust that He can change our lives?

God's Word is powerful. It can transform us, convict us, bring us peace, teach us, protect us, and strengthen us. The Word of God is alive and active for those who open their hearts and listen to it.

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