Gospel 

Luke 4:31-37

Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee. He taught them on the sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out in a loud voice, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!" Jesus rebuked him and said, "Be quiet! Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down in front of them and came out of him without doing him any harm. They were all amazed and said to one another, "What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out." And news of him spread everywhere in the surrounding region.

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel passage presents us with a dramatic scene in the synagogue at Capernaum. Jesus teaches with authority, astonishing the crowd. But then, a man possessed by an unclean demon interrupts, revealing Jesus' true identity as the Holy One of God.

Jesus rebukes the demon, commanding it to be quiet and come out of the man. The demon obeys, leaving the man unharmed. The crowd is amazed, recognizing Jesus' authority and power over the unclean spirits.

This passage highlights Jesus' divine authority, demonstrated through his teaching and his power over evil spirits. It challenges us to consider our own response to Jesus' authority.

Do we recognize Jesus as the Holy One of God, and submit to his authority in our lives? Or do we resist his teaching and his power, like the demon in the story?

May we be open to Jesus' authority, allowing him to teach us and free us from the powers of darkness. May we spread the news of his power and authority to all those around us.

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful, and loving God, we come before you, amazed by the power of Jesus' authority. We recognize him as the Holy One of God, and we submit to his teaching and power in our lives.

Forgive us for resisting his authority and teaching, and for allowing the powers of darkness to hold us back.

Thank you for Jesus' power over evil spirits, and for his ability to free us from their grasp.

Help us to be open to his authority, and to allow him to teach us and guide us.

Give us the courage to share the news of his power and authority with all those around us, that they may also be freed from the powers of darkness.

May we be amazed by his authority, and may we always recognize his power in our lives.

In Jesus' most holy name we pray, Amen. 

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ at