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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider I know who you are

I know who you are

Published Sep 2, 2025 12:05 am  |  Updated Sep 1, 2025 04:45 pm
REFLECTIONS TODAY
The unclean spirit attempts to denigrate Jesus by pointing out that Jesus comes from Nazareth, a backward and unimportant town. The demon also takes pride in the fact that he knows who Jesus truly is. There was an ancient belief that one could debilitate the power of one’s enemy by laying bare his identity. The devil may have indeed known Jesus to be the Holy One of God, but he would not submit to Jesus’ power and authority. The devil tries to drive Jesus away, but it is Jesus instead who exorcises the evil spirit from the afflicted man. Everyone is amazed that the man is instantly delivered from the unclean spirit, without suffering any harm, and is restored to complete peace.
This healing incident takes place on a Sabbath inside a synagogue. Even unclean spirits can sneak into holy places on holy days and among people who are trying to obey God’s will and who are striving to be holy. Church attendance alone does not guarantee holiness. It is not even enough to know Jesus’ true identity as the Holy One of God, or to acknowledge his power and authority over our lives. We need to listen to Jesus and allow his powerful words to guide us and to transform us.
First reading • 1 Thes 5:1-6, 9-11
Concerning times and seasons, brothers and sisters, you have no need for anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night. When people are saying, “Peace and security,” then sudden disaster comes upon them, like labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, for that day to overtake you like a thief. For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober. 9For God did not destine us for wrath, but to gain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live together with him. Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” 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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