Tuesday 22nd week even numbered year “Jesus went down to Capharnaum a town in Galilee and taught them on the Sabbath. And his teaching made a deep impression on them because his Word carried authority.”
Two words oppose each other and confront each other in this Gospel, that of the possessed man –with a demon- and that of Jesus, they reveal to us Jesus’ identity.
Jesus’ way of speaking is very different from that of other masters of the Law, people were in admiration, for Jesus ’spoke with authority’.
The word of the possessed man affirms that he is ’Holy, Holy One of God. It comes and sows confusion, doubt ’Have you come to destroy us?’ Jesus comes to save us. His Word is an authority, it frees the possessed man.
He comes to free us from the evil that imprisons our life. Those who listen to the Word find in Him a hope in God, in a Father full of Love.
We live in a troubled world, it can frighten us. We carry much ’agitation’ and passions within us. These instincts and compulsions trouble us in our thoughts and in our hearts, they put us off centre. Jesus, by His Peace, gives us the Holy Spirit who scrutinises the depths of our hearts. It s in this Love in this tenderness that Jesus gives us a new balance.
“In the synagogue there was a man possessed by the spirit of an unclean devil. And he shouted at the top of his voice ’ ha! What do you want of us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are : the holy One of God!’. But Jesus rebuked it, saying, ’Be quiet! Come out of him!’ And the devil, throwing the man into the middle, went out of him without hurting him at all.”
Christ overcomes death evil and death, he announces the Resurrection which delivers suffering mankind. Throughout our days in patience we offer to Jesus all our distresses so that he comes to pick us up in his power of the Resurrection. Unity is broken in this possessed man, Jesus’ authority orders the
demonic spirit to come out of him! This man is thrown onto the floor by the liar. Jesus heals the sick, expulses demons, his word is of great depth, it worries for it is new and definitive. Touched by Christ we too can find once more anew balance in anew liberty by giving our good will to God.
“Astonishment seized them and they were all saying to one another, ’What is it in his words? He gives orders to unclean spirits with authority and power and they come out. And the news of him travelled all through the surrounding countryside.”
Jesus conciliates divine authority with a great human simplicity. It is the relationship he has with his Father which explains the unique harmony between his greatness and his humility. Jesus’ authority is manifested by his words and in his actions. He places God in the centre again and the adversary Is put out, for it is nothing but darkness.
Jesus has a loving relationship with his Father and this is manifested by his simplicity. On great divine dependency he expects everything from His Father. He is at the same time in alight and in truth which reaches evil in its roots. Unperturbedly he continues his ministry whilst being wholly dependant upon his Father. No completion, no personal interest ou hurry. Out of his mouth come Words which turn us to the father so we have in our heart tenderness and love.