January 10, 2017

Gospel: Mk 1:21-28
They went into the town of Capernaum and Jesus taught in the synagogue on the Sabbath day. The people were astonished at the way he taught, for he spoke as one having authority, and not like the teachers of the law.
It happened that, a man with an evil spirit was in their synagogue, and he shouted, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: you are the Holy One of God.“ Then Jesus faced him and said with authority, “Be silent, and come out of this man!“ The evil spirit shook the man violently and, with a loud shriek, came out of him.
All the people were astonished, and they wondered, “What is this? With what authority he preaches! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him!“ And Jesus’ fame spread throughout all the country of Galilee.

REFLECTION:
“Jesus In Solidarity with Humanity“
The letter to the Hebrews today presents to us the first implication of Jesus’ baptism at the Jordan. Jesus’ immersion into the water of the Jordan that had received the many sinners John had already baptized signified the awesome truth: Jesus has become one of us! The baptism of Jesus was more of a sign or “sacrament“ of Jesus’ SOLIDARITY with the human race! Now Jesus could call us his “brothers and sisters!“
Jesus becomes one of us for a purpose: to save us from the clutches of the evil one. Thus, on this day after the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord we have the story of the expulsion of Satan from the possessed man who represents all of humanity suffering under the dominion of the devil. For much too long had the devil taken “possession of man.“ That is about to end! The expulsion of Satan on the Sabbath sends fearful tremors in the underworld as Satan recognizes the Word that has Authority to drive him away and he trembles! So he shouts: “Jesus of Nazareth have you come to destroy us?“
In our hour of need, when we feel the diabolic force upon us, we have but to call on the Holy Name of Jesus! Satan will flee at the Holy Name of JESUS! Jesus, our “KUYA“ will come to OUR assistance!