1Reflection for August 31, Tuesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 4:31-37

Gospel: Luke 4:31-37

Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee. He taught them on the sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out in a loud voice, “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, “Be quiet! Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down in front of them and came out of him without doing him any harm. They were all amazed and said to one another, “What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” And news of him spread everywhere in the surrounding region.

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Reflection:

Do you have time to read the words of Jesus in the bible, do you have a regular prayer life and do you give time for Jesus at Holy Mass? Many of us do not have time but when it comes to worldly things we create time.  

If only we would give time for Jesus we would certainly feel His authority and power working within us. How does the authority and power of Jesus work in us? For example, if during the time that you still don’t know Jesus you were temperamental. After discovering Jesus in your life you will now become calm and peaceful.  

If before you are easily affected by sad events that come your way. Not so much anymore now, for the simple reason that you already learned to surrender your life to Jesus. There are other true stories of transformed lives all because of Jesus. These are example of Jesus power and authority at work in your life.  

But many have not yet experienced the power and authority of Jesus in their lives. So, what are you going to do? You who have already experienced the transforming power and authority of Jesus! You have to lead them to Jesus, you have to encourage them to open and read the bible, you have to teach them to pray and you have to encourage them to go to Holy Mass.  

You certainly will be blessed by Jesus if you do so. Perhaps not material blessing for it’s temporal and fleeting anyway. What Jesus will give you is His friendship and His abiding presence in your life. – Marino J. Dasmarinas