for he spoke as one having authority, and not like the teachers of the law. It happened that a
man with an evil spirit was in their synagogue, and he shouted, “What do you want with us,
Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: you are the Holy One
of God.” Then Jesus faced him and said with authority, “Be silent, and come out of this man!
” The evil spirit shook the man violently and, with a loud shriek, came out of him. All the people
were astonished, and they wondered, “What is this? With what authority he preaches! He even
gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him!” And Jesus’ fame spread throughout all the
country of Galilee.

Reflect

“Words are powerful.” Hannah, in the first reading, uses words to invoke the Lord’s compassion.
The Lord turns his favor upon her. In terms of our prayer life, the words we utter to God become
powerful when we have a certain relationship with him. However, the level of relationship we have
with the Lord is also commensurate with the way we use words to make our relationships with
people around us better. Within the context of family, for example, married life is sustained when
beautiful words are used by married couples to give encouragement and support to each other.
Parents and children relationship is strengthened when children use respectful words when
talking to their parents. Words can also be used to edify the members of the family. Parents can
use words to teach good values to their children. Moreover, with regard to teaching good values
to children, the words of parents can become authoritative when used with corresponding
examples. In today’s Gospel, Jesus taught the people with authority. This is because there is no
gap between Jesus’ words and deeds. Thus, the connection between our words and actions
indicates the kind of relationship we have with God and with one another.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2024