MARK 1:21-28

Jesus and His disciples came to Capernaum, and on the Sabbath Jesus 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.

Reflection:

Quiet! Come out of him! Jesus has compassion for a man with an unclean spirit. He regards the possessed man as a person in need of help, of healing, of liberation from the dominion of sin and Satan. And Jesus heals the man.

Jesus silences the unclean spirit. He does not want His identity to be revealed and to be recognized merely as a miracle worker. People may just come to Him for the miracles. Jesus wishes people to come to Him because of their faith and love for Him.

At this time of our life Jesus may also be telling us to be quiet. Enough of words, promises, and resolutions. What Jesus demands from us now is our love, our contrition, our concrete actions. No more quarrels, no more debates and discussions, no more lip service. What Jesus expects of us are our caring actions, our witnessing, and our deeds of love.

God speaks in the silence of our hearts.

Let us listen and give him time to speak to us.

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