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In today's gospel Jesus spoke with authority and power. That is, his word had power to transform, heal and set free those who believe in him. His preaching much affected the people; and a power went with it to touch people's conscience. His miracles showed Jesus to be a controller and conqueror of Satan, a healer of diseases. Jesus' authority was not only in word and teaching. Right there in the synagogue as he spoke to a man possessed by an "unclean spirit", that spirit spoke through the possessed man. It spoke in fear of the power of Jesus. "Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God."
Most of us possess authority of some kind, whether as a parent, a teacher, a professional with responsibility and so on. Let us make sure that we use that authority in such a way as to enhance the abilities of others rather than diminish them. Our authority should be based on real love and it should be used for the purpose of building humanity.
Let us pray for all those people who misuse authority so that they may learn to use it on the basis of real love.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That sports may be an opportunity for friendly encounters between peoples and may contribute to peace in the world.
Elaboration
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