TUESDAY OF THE 22ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR
Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Celebration: Ferial
Liturgical Colour: Green
Table of the Word
First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1–6, 9–11
Gospel: Luke 4:31–37
Theme: Christ’s liberating authority.
Reflection
Today's table of the Word presents before us two outstanding themes to reflect on. In the first reading, St. Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to live in readiness: “You are children of light and of the day; do not belong to the night or to darkness.” an exhortation addressed to us today. The Gospel pericope echoes this call to vigilance as Jesus teaches with authority in Capernaum and liberates a man from demonic oppression. scenario that caught up the crowd with great astonishment and they proclaimed: "What is this word? For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!" (Luke 4:36) While Mark's account gave us a touchy response: “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” (Mark 1:27)
In our reflection today, we see Jesus in the gospel account, who exemplifies the power of love in fighting evil. His Word transformed, healed and set free those who believe in him. Jesus challenges us to commit our lives completely to him so that we may also have the power and authority to conquer evil and live a life of faith. That is why, at baptism we we were with given the unction to function as priests, prophets and kings, while sacrament of confirmation empowered us to be Christ's soldiers in defence of faith with the Holy Eucharit nourishing our souls as the food for the joirney.
This teaching called to mind the proper use of this power as Christ's faithful following the footestep of the Master (Jesus) who becomes a model for each of us and admonishing us to exercise our power in love and service to others rather than controlling, oppressing and dissipating.
It is on this account that Pope Francis once emphasized the importance of exercising authority for the good of all and the propagation of the Gospel. He tells that every individual, even if in small ways, exercises some authority.
Beloved in Christ Jesus, let us be conscious of the fact that true authority does not enslave but restores freedom, dignity, and peace, which an example has been given us by our Lord today by showing compassion to the man.
As we continue this journey of faith, may God give us the grace to increase our faith so that we can discern God’s will and purpose in our lives. May our loving Saviour teach us to follow his servant leadership in our lives and be “awake,” living with faith, hope, and love, so that when Christ comes, He will find us ready, as the Lord whispers: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18)
+ Peace be with you.
© ARCHIVE 02092025
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