2 Sep
Tue
22nd Week in Ordinary Time
1 Cor. 2:10b-16
Ps. 144:8-9,10-11,12-13-14
Lk. 4:31-37
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The key word in today's Gospel is 'authority'. We are told that Jesus was in Capernaum and that he was teaching in the synagogue on a sabbath day. The people were "spellbound" by his teaching, because it had such authority. Unlike the Scribes, he was not passing on the teaching of others; this was his own teaching. Then, while they are in the synagogue, a man with an unclean spirit starts shouting about Jesus' identity. Jesus expels the evil spirit and the man is healed. The people are amazed and wonder at the "authority and power" of Jesus. 'Authority' has two meanings. On the one hand, it presumes that one speaks and acts in one's own name. Jesus speaks and acts in the name of God with the power of God.

Secondly, 'authority' at its best does not just control people, it liberates people to use their gifts more effectively. That is what Jesus was doing all the time - liberating them from the blindness of ignorance, healing their disabilities, freeing them from compulsive behaviours and from the power of sinful behaviour. May he liberate us, too, and help us to liberate others.



The truth will make you free.

DAILY OFFERING
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.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That those who, because of wars or oppressive regimes, are forced to leave their homes and country may be supported by Christians in the defence and protection of their rights.
Elaboration

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