Gospel: Luke 4:31-37
Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee, and began teaching the people at the Sabbath meetings. They were astonished at the way he taught them, for his word was spoken with authority.
In the synagogue, there was a man possessed by an evil spirit, who shouted in a loud voice, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I recognize you: you are the Holy One of God.” Then Jesus said to him sharply, “Be silent and leave this man!” The evil spirit then threw the man down in front of them, and came out of him without doing him harm.
Amazement seized all these people, and they said to one another, “What does this mean? He commands the evil spirits with authority and power. He orders, and you see how they come out!” And news about Jesus spread throughout the surrounding area.

Reflections
“Possessed by an evil spirit.”
The desire for power and to accumulate possession, consumerist attitude and destructive behavior, chronic frustration, hatred and unforgiveness, hopelessness and defeatism, poor self-image, fear, jealousy, indifference, and the like all these are a concrete manifestation of an evil power that has gotten hold of the human person. They control, manipulate, oppress, mislead, and stunt the individual. They are damaging, and their effects lasting. They stifle personal growth and well- being. Jesus’ program of actions is precisely aimed at conquering the evil power that pulls one into these predicaments, and at the same time intended at liberating the human person from their grip. What can help break free from their grip? It is the love of God, made visible in Jesus, that flows through in life; and the conviction that his grace is sufficient for us and that his power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor 12:9). “The love of Jesus Christ... conquers sin and gives [us] the strength to rise and begin again (Pope Francis). It frees us from sin. We may add: the love and tenderness, the concern and care, and the generosity and understanding, we experience with others are helpful to be freed from sin and its effects. And we can call them experiences of hope.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2019