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Our “demons” often control us much more than we would like!

Reading: In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, “Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” Luke 4: 33-34.
 
Good morning, happy Wednesday, and many blessings my dear family.
 
The Gospel (Luke 4:31-37) reading for today is the story of Jesus healing the “man with the unclean spirit.” The reading is somewhat fantastic! The demon seemed to have complete control of the possessed man. However, the demon immediately recognized the goodness and the power of Jesus! In response, the demon was fearful of Jesus and what Jesus might do. However, Jesus simply and quietly ordered the demon to come out of the man. The demon obeyed and the man was healed!

The people of Capernaum were astounded at the authority of Jesus and his words. He was not saying things that were very different from what they normally heard, but he was speaking with great authority. He had a clear sense of who he was, his relationship with God was the bedrock of his life and message, and so he could speak with great authority. He had no other interest than that of proclaiming the truth and preaching the Kingdom.
 
It is very impressive that when expelling demons Jesus encountered resistance. He raised people from the dead and fed thousands with a few loaves and fishes without any effort, but he was challenged and resisted by the demons, even though he still had the last word. No wonder I am sometimes mystified by the power of evil around me. I ask Jesus to give me the same trust in his power that I see in the possessed man and the onlookers in the synagogue.
 
I wonder, 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.
 
Each one of us has our own “unclean spirits.” I doubt that they are “demons” like the one in this story. However, our “demons” often control us much more than we would like! What are your “unclean spirits,” your “demons?” I assume all of us want to be healed. Do we trust that Jesus hears our plea? Do we believe that Jesus can and will heal us?
 
Our healing may not be an immediate “miracle” as the man’s was. Rather our healing may be a gradual healing as we continue to bring our request to Jesus. May we pray for the grace to put our trust in Jesus and believe that Jesus will answer our prayer!
 
Blessings,
 
Fr. Luis+

Date news: 
Wednesday, September 1, 2021 - 08:15

Ministry at the time of Coronavirus (Covid 19): Prevent, cure and accompany

Now we have to shape what some have started calling; The Church at Home. Although I keep asking myself; What do those who do not have a home do? For this reason, at the same time, I am declaring today in our Holyrood Church a Lenten day of prayer, fasting and reading the Bible in the Time of the Coronavirus.

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