them, for his word was spoken with authority. In the synagogue, there was a man
possessed by an evil spirit, who shouted in a loud voice, “What do you want with us,
Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I recognize you: you are the
Holy One of God.” Then Jesus said to him sharply, “Be silent and leave this man!”
The evil spirit then threw the man down in front of them, and came out of him without
doing him harm. Amazement seized all these people, and they said to one another,
“What does this mean? He commands the evil spirits with authority and power.
He orders, and you see how they come out!” And news about Jesus spread
throughout the .surrounding area.

Reflect

“The Holy One of God.” In today’s world, authority is normally imposed through
external forces. The words of those who are in position of authority are not listened
to except when uttered with corresponding external factors. Perhaps, this is due to
the fact that many of those in position of authority lack credibility and integrity.
If such is the case, then words will never be enough. In today’s Gospel,
Jesus is described as someone whose word was spoken with authority. It also
narrates how such authoritative word of Jesus liberated a man possessed by an
evil spirit. Jesus, with authority and power, could command even evil spirits. The people
were amazed. Likewise, we are normally amazed when we hear the words of someone
speaking with authority. It is perhaps because we know that authoritative words are
the words of a person with credibility and integrity. The words of such person cannot
easily be persuaded by external factors. Credibility and integrity generate authoritative
words. As followers of Jesus, we are called to grow in credibility and integrity so that
whatever we proclaim will truly be listened to and may change lives. Our
words will be enough because they are backed up by the life we lead.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2024