Daily Reflection – 1/15/19
Sacred Scripture
Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “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, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee. (Mark 1:21-28)
Reflection
If even the evil spirits of the world acknowledge that Jesus is the “Holy One of God,” we can too. The more we go to Christ through the reading of Scripture, through daily prayer, through the listening to the council of our spiritual director, and through living the words of Christ, we grow in faith and become more open to God. The more we do these things, the more we realize that when we start living our lives, and live them for God, the context of being part of Jesus Christ changes our ability to make it in this world.
When Jesus Christ is the authority in our lives, our lives become stronger, bolder, livelier, and more joyful. We begin to ask ourselves, “Why did I listen to those people instead of the Lord?” “Why did I doubt myself when he is the King of the Universe?” “Why did I think I was no good when I was made through him and for him?” “Why didn’t I say what should have been said to honor him?” “Why didn’t I say a healing word and ask if I could pray for them?” “Why didn’t I walk as someone who has the authority of Christ at my back?”
We don’t follow any teacher, we follow THE Teacher. We don’t have any friend, we have THE Friend. We aren’t in a relationship with any lover, we are in a relationship with THE Lover of our souls. We are not bowing down to any power hungry lord, we bow down to the Lord who first lowered himself to become one of us. Exemplary, that is Jesus. Authoritative, that is Jesus.
We ought to seek his healing for our souls. We ought to draw from his authority to live our lives through the hard times and the good times.
So, bring whatever it is that you have today and place it before Christ and listen for his wisdom. Lean on the one who heals those possessed of demons. Walk with the one who carries you when you cannot walk. Be amazed by the one who teaches with authority, unlike so much in our lives.
Prayer of The Day
Lord, we often come to you as if you are an insignificant thought, a guiding principle that is nice and easy. Help us to be honest with you about who we are, what we have done and what we have failed to do. Give us the strength we need to live as your disciples, filled with the authority you bring as Master of the Universe. Amen.
Daily Note
In his work, “Spiritual Exercises,” St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, wrote: “It is characteristic of the evil spirit to harass with anxiety, to afflict with sadness, to raise obstacles backed by fallacious reasonings that disturb the soul. It is characteristic of the Holy Spirit, however, to give courage and strength, consolations, tears, inspirations and peace.” What Spirit will be evident in your lives in this coming week?
