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Manila Bulletin

Opinion

Have you come to destroy us?

Opinion

Have you come to destroy us?

By Manila Bulletin

REFLECTIONS TODAY

The unclean spirits are afraid of Jesus, who has just returned from Nazareth. Like Jesus’ town mates, they expect him to be confined only to his hometown, and not to meddle with them in Capernaum. Jesus will prove that the Spirit of the Lord is upon him. He is there not only to let the oppressed go free, but also to drive evil spirits away. He shows his power over the evil spirit possessing the man. The evil spirit has been oppressing him, and causing fear and distraction to others in the synagogue. Jesus rebukes the unclean spirit and drives him away. As a result, the people are amazed, recognizing his authority and power. They spread the news about him in the region. Yes, Jesus is here to destroy evil forces. He is here to build God’s Kingdom, where evil should not thrive, but peace and security, abundance of food, and hope for the future. When people worship without fear and live in peace, it means that evil has been destroyed.

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.

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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REFLECTIONS 365 Days with the Lord

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