A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark
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.
In yesterday’s reading describing the Baptism of the Lord, John the Baptist immediately recognizes Jesus’ divinity. Today, as Jesus teaches in the synagogue, an unclean spirit speaks to Jesus through a man possessed by it. This spirit, more than one voice speaking through the man, recognizes Jesus’ divinity as he says, “Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” How is it possible that among some people today the Evil One is not acknowledged or given any credence at all, but demons recognize and fear Jesus and continue to recognize and fear him?
To begin each day this way—recognizing the presence of the Holy One of God—is to subject myself to the will of God. The Book of Proverbs beautifully expresses this: “The beginning of wisdom is fear of the LORD, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” God, help me understand this. I have no reason to fear you; you give me everything I have out of love and goodness. Yet, to fear you is to move out of the way and trust in your Son’s authority to destroy evil and to make all things subject to you. From today’s Responsorial Psalm, we pray: “You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.” Give me the grace, Lord, to be assured today and every day that you are the Holy One of God.
Thank you, Lord, for your grace and protection. From today’s prayer after Communion from the Roman Missal: “Humbly we ask you, almighty God, be graciously pleased to grant that those you renew with your Sacraments may also serve with lives pleasing to you. Through Christ our Lord.”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.