Opening Prayer

Lord, grant that I may see you more clearly,
love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly,
day by day.

Scripture

Luke 4:31-37

He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbath. They were astounded at his teaching because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Leave us alone! 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.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet and come out of him!” Then the demon, throwing the man down before them, came out of him without doing him any harm. They were all astounded and kept saying to one another, “What kind of word is this, that with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits and they come out?” And news about him began to reach every place in the region.

Reflection

Jesus’ teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum astonished people because He spoke with an authority that came directly from God, unlike the teachers of the law. This reminds us that true authority and leadership stem from a deep connection with the divine and a commitment to truth. It encourages us to seek a closer relationship with God, so that our words and actions may carry the weight of genuine spiritual authority and positively impact those around us.

The authority of Jesus was not one of domination but of empowerment and growth. His ability to cast out demons swiftly and effectively amazed the people, demonstrating His power to liberate and heal. This inspires us to use any authority or influence we have to uplift and empower others, helping them to grow and thrive. It calls us to serve with compassion and humility, following Jesus’ example of using power for the benefit and liberation of others.

Contemplation

I take a few moments to imagine the scene from the Gospel story I just read. I let the words come alive in my heart. I visualise the event as if I was there and part of the story. I pay attention to all the details, the sights, the sounds, the tastes, the smells, and the feelings of the event. I imagine myself as one of the characters in the scene or as myself present in the story. What message does Jesus have for me? How is God speaking to me personally through this story? I open my heart to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Thanksgiving

I ask God, the Father, to give me an intimate knowledge of the many gifts I have received,
so that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty.

Fellow Pilgrims

When trying to evangelise, no tool is more effective, than that of personal witness. People can argue with points of doctrine but no-one can argue with a personal testimony!

– Saint Francis Xavier

Closing Prayer

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Amen.