Jesus has now left his home town of Nazareth and Capernaum which lies on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee becomes his base for his Galilean ministry. His teaching is very distinct from other rabbis and teachers as he teaches with authority.
In today’s Gospel passage Jesus is present in the synagogue as it is the sabbath and he encounters a man who is possessed. The demon calls Jesus the “Holy one of God”, reminding us that even demons will say something true to disguise an untruth or to sow confusion to hide their deception. The demons like to play games, play on our minds and lead us down the garden path. They cannot be trusted and Jesus is fully aware of this and that is why he firstly silences the demon.
Jesus has in actual fact come to destroy the kingdom of satan, but Jesus will not be drawn into a conversation or dialogue with the demons or discuss his ministry with the “father of lies”. Jesus then shows the efficacy and power of his word, as it alone, has the authority to heal and exorcise the man. This episode has a deep impression on all those in attendance but more importantly it shows satan what he is up against.
Jesus demonstrates also the compassion and mercy of God who comes to carry our burdens and sicknesses and offer us the gift of salvation.
St. Maximilian Kolbe
“The conflict with hell cannot be maintained by men, even the most clever.The Immaculate alone has from God the promise of victory over Satan. She seeks souls that will consecrate themselves entirely to her, that will become in her hands, forceful instruments for the defeat of Satan and the spread of God’s kingdom.”
St. Bonaventure
“Men do not fear a powerful hostile army as the powers of hell fear the name and protection of Mary.”
C.S Lewis
“There is no neutral ground in the universe; every square inch, every split second, is claimed by God and counter-claimed by Satan”
“And then she understood the devilish cunning of the enemies’ plan. By mixing a little truth with it, they had made their lie far stronger”.
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