Gospel Delights!

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

1 Thes 5:1-6, 9-11; Lk 4:31-37

Today’s gospel dwells on two themes: the authority of Jesus and the confession of the demon. 

The gospel reads that “Jesus taught them on the Sabbath and they were astonished at his teaching.” We don’t know what he taught. But we certainly understand the impact of his teaching. The crowd was amazed at his authority. 

In the second part of the gospel, we find the ‘teaching authority’ of Jesus being demonstrated in a miracle. The demon’s confession, before healing can take place, draws our attention. The demon seems to have a better understanding of Jesus – that he is Jesus of Nazareth, he has come to destroy them, and he is the ‘Holy One of God!’ 

It is ironic that, just like those who opposed Jesus, the demons knew more about what Jesus was capable of doing! Such understanding was missing even in the crowd of his followers! In a way, it is a bit embarrassing for us because the anti-Jesus elements are better informed about our Lord than we are!

The holiness of Jesus and his authority in words and deeds are closely interlinked. The power of Jesus at work in us depends on our familiarity with his holiness and our commitment to practice it. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar