Tuesday – 22nd Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel - Luke 4:31-37

I Know You!

Synagogue in Capernaum

Over the past few years, Ginger and I have become big fans of BritBox and Acorn mysteries and detective series – Midsomer Murders, Brokenwood, Unforgotten, Shetland, and the list goes on and on.  Needless to say we end up seeing the same actors in a variety of roles and series.  And I never fail to make all the connections, to recognize them from other shows!  You remember them, they were that … , they did….., they played…..   I must think, after all these years (shows), Ginger probably just gives me a symbolic pat on the back and a “yes, dear” so that she can continue to watch the show.  But I continue to soldier on!
At least my long-term memory is still working! And I have learned to ‘pause’ the program when I make my comments/connections!

Which brings us to today’s Gospel – Jesus is preaching in Capernaum, and the people are amazed at His teaching.  But there is a man there possessed by a demon.  And it’s the demon who recognizes Jesus and calls Him by name – You are the Holy One of God!!  He recognizes Him not merely as a preacher but as the Son of God.  Says something doesn’t it?  Even the demons recognize Jesus for who He really is!

The question for us today is – do we know Jesus?  Do we recognize Him?  How do we know Him?  Is He just words on a page or stories that you’ve heard or repeated?  Is He real?  In all those times of trial and heartache, when we prayed so fervently for help, do we remember the Son of the Living God?  Do we see Him in the face of others who cry out for justice or mercy or peace?  Do we recognize Him in the cries of the poor, the homeless, the lost and forsaken?  Do we take the time and the energy and the patience to look for Jesus, remember His presence in our lives and to know that He truly is the Son of the Most High.

 

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