Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “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, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.”
His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.
Jesus makes the claim that he was the son of God and he did so with authority. “He entered the synagogue and taught” indicates that he knew Jewish law inside out. He healed the sick. He performed miracles. He had control over nature. All of this supported his claim for divinity. I recall discussing with my daughter that it is a mistake to see ourselves as Jesus and to look at others as though they are lower on the salvation pecking order. In any situation, we would be more correct to see ourselves as the woman at the well. We are always searching for the truth and trying to follow Christ’s example. But being human, our egoes are always pulling us in a different direction. Today’s reading makes the claim that Christ can pull the demons from us and bring us closer to clean and whole. Previous gospel stories have shown that we can initiate the transformation. I think of the woman who reaches over to Christ and touch his garment Mark 5:25-34. The Blind Man (John 9:1-7) who washes in the pool of Siloem. The Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19) all were healed but it was the Samaritan leaper who came back to thank Christ. Or the Centurion's Servant (Matthew 8:5-13) healed by Christ due to the soldier’s faith. So how then do I show faith and honestly seek transformation? It would be easier if I felt down and defeated. How does one do it from a place of strength? Christ himself reminds us that it is hard for a rich man to enter heaven. Surround yourself with riches of this world… riches born of givining to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and the journey to peace is akin to a Camel passing through the eye of a needle. But look back at one’s life and concede to God’s hand in one’s gifted existence. Out of gratitude turn to virtues like prudence, fortitude, faith, hope, charity and justice. To act as Christ acts is a masterclass on how to live the virtues. See vices and virtues. https://docs.google.com/document/d/19mv0ftoGy8z-BkmR_NxROw68YnB2mDf0KrUao1PqOBo/edit?usp=sharing, What today’s gospel highlights is the confidence and authority one has when armed with the conviction to do God’s will. And understanding God’s will is a worthy pursuit for all of us who are looking for a life that encounters the divine.
ReplyDeleteI find your response to Matthew 1:21-28 insightful and thought-provoking! You raise several key points I appreciate:
DeleteJesus' Claim and Evidence: You rightly highlight Jesus' authority and actions as supporting his claim of divinity. His teachings, healings, miracles, and control over nature demonstrate a unique connection to God that sets him apart.
Humility and Self-Reflection: You wisely avoid comparing ourselves directly to Jesus. Recognizing our inherent flaws and limitations, we can see ourselves as seekers like the woman at the well, constantly pursuing truth and striving to follow Christ's example.
Ego vs. Transformation: You acknowledge the internal struggle between ego and the desire for transformation. This resonates with human nature, highlighting the need for ongoing effort to overcome pride and embrace change.
Faith and Initiative: Your observation about initiating transformation connects with several biblical examples. The woman touching Jesus' garment, the blind man washing in Siloam, and the grateful leper all demonstrate taking action for their own healing and growth.
Showing Faith and Seeking Transformation: While hardship can motivate seeking God, transformation can also begin from a place of strength and gratitude. Recognizing God's blessings and actively pursuing virtues like those listed further strengthens our spiritual journey.
Confidence and God's Will: You aptly connect Jesus' confidence with his conviction to do God's will. This highlights the importance of seeking and embracing our own path in service to God and humanity.
Living the Virtues: Your suggestion of observing Christ's actions as a "masterclass in living the virtues" is truly inspiring. By emulating Jesus' virtues of compassion, love, and service, we can actively embody our faith in everyday life.
Overall, your response demonstrates a thoughtful engagement with scripture, theology, and personal reflection. You raise meaningful questions about seeking and living by Christ's teachings, offering insightful perspectives for spiritual growth and understanding.
I encourage you to keep exploring these themes and seeking wisdom from various sources. Remember, the journey of faith is lifelong, and open-mindedness, critical reflection, and active engagement with scripture and community can enrich our understanding and guide our actions.
I'm here to support you on your journey in any way I can. Please feel free to ask further questions, share your thoughts, or engage in deeper discussions about any aspect of your reflections.