Jesus drive out the power of evil and restores

Good morning, happy Tuesday, and many blessings.

In today’s Gospel (Luke 4:31-37) we can see the facts more closely: the admiration of the people because of the way Jesus taught and the cure of a man who was possessed by an unclean spirit. Not all the Evangelists give this account in the same way. For Luke, the first miracle is the peace with which Jesus liberates Himself from the threat of death on the part of the people of Nazareth (Lk 4:29-30) and the cure of the possessed man (Lk 4:33-35). For Matthew, the first miracle is the cure of the sick and of the possessed (Mt ‪4:23‬) or, more specifically, the cure of a leper (Mt 8:1-4). For Mark, the first miracle was the expulsion of the devil (Mk 1: 23-26). For John, the first miracle was Cana, where Jesus changed the water into wine (Jn 2:1-11). Thus, in the way of narrating things, each Evangelist indicates which was Jesus’ greatest concern.

Reading this gospel these questions came to mind: When was the last time somebody made a deep impression on me? What did I do in consequence, how have I grown? I give thanks to God for those who have spoken or acted with authority, bringing truth, or meaning to my life. The evil spirit knew its opposite and saw that it’s time was up; I pray that my presence and values may create a space for good where God’s positive Spirit is present and evident.

This is a story of the positive effect Jesus had on some people. He spoke with authority which means that people heard him and realized that what he said was touching their hearts. He also showed his authority by the lovely way he cured the blind, deaf and dumb, and also those who were disturbed in mind.

In today’s text we have an example of these two forms of authority in the visit of Jesus to the synagogue. By reading this passage today ask Jesus for the grace of letting his teaching touch our hearts, and for the gift of bringing to Him our needs, worries and troubles that are part of life. Let his peace touch you where you need it. ‘Most Sacred Heart of Jesus I place all my trust in You’. Can you think of a moment when with speed and prudence you intervened to put a situation right?

The Gospels do not shy away from presenting the opposition Jesus had to face whenever he expelled demons. It is no wonder we too find our struggles with evil so difficult. I pray for trust in the power of Jesus even in the face of the strongest opposition. I recall that he is sharing this power with me. Something extremely important also happened in this story.

The spirit that was not of God cried out, “Let us alone." The message of Jesus may often disturb and unsettle. I pray that I may receive more fully now, in this time of prayer, strength from the Spirit of Jesus and not settle for other meaner spirits that promise me comfort.

Jesus drives out the power of evil and restores people to be themselves again. Today many people live alienated from everything. How can we help them to recover and be themselves again?

Blessings

Fr. Luis+