Greetings on this the Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 Samuel 1:9-20; 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd; Mark 1:21-28
Summary
The Cure of a Demoniac
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 (Mk 1:23-26).
The story of the curing of the demoniac has at its literal form the express purpose of showing the Lord’s authority over even the unclean spirits. These spirits, who were trying to stop his work among the people by being present in the Synagogue at the same time as Jesus. In an attempt to stop Jesus, the demoniac used Jesus’ proper name(s) (Jesus of Nazareth and the Holy One of God) as of the ancient belief that to use a proper name for someone is to deprive them of their power.
Going Deeper
The negative influences in our lives interfere with the work of Jesus.
It begins as an accusation:
- What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?
- Have you come to destroy us?
We attempt to disarm the Lord with using proper names, not in reverence and awe, but as in disarming his relevance and importance:
- Jesus of Nazareth.
- The Holy One of God.
Jesus will abide by none of that:
- Quiet! Come out of him! (falsehood is not the basis of relation).
- Unclean spirit convulsed him (purification can be convulsive).
- A loud cry came out of him (the end of sin can be loud).
Reflection
In our gospel portion today, we have the story of curing a man possessed with an unclean spirit. For the rest of us, we can take lesson from this encounter in our own perfidy. Some really obvious. Some subtle in nature. But all have some curing needed.
- What do you have to do with me?
- You just want to destroy me!
- Yes, you are the Son of God and Holy One of God – leave me alone.
But we are not so lost! Quiet! Jesus sees right through all of it.
Quiet! Come out of him!
Personal Reflection
Lord Jesus, may I use your name in reverence and awe. May I not fear you and your judgement as much as cling to your mercy. I know sanctification can be loud and convulsive. But that’s OK. The outcome is wonderful!
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011326.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry