MARK 1:21-28

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.

Reflections

Quiet! Jesus has compassion for the man with an unclean spirit. He does not judge or condemn. Jesus desires the man’s healing and performs a miracle to liberate him from Satan.

Jesus silences the unclean spirit. He does not want His identity revealed. Jesus wishes people to come to Him because of their faith and their love, not because of His miraculous powers.

Jesus may be telling us now, “Quiet!” Enough of words, promises, and resolutions. Jesus asks for our love, contrition, and conversion. No more quarrels, debates, and discussions. What Jesus expects is the witness of our caring actions.

God speaks in the silence of our hearts.

Let us give time for God to speak to us especially before we make important decisions.

SOURCE: “366 Days with the Lord 2012,” ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: books@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph