Daily Gospel Reflection
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January 14, 2020
Jesus and his followers went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and 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.”
But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.
They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.
I sometimes wonder: if Jesus walked among us today, would I recognize him? After reading today’s gospel, I am convinced that I would. Jesus isn’t exactly incognito in the synagogue today. It’s a boisterous, almost violent scene: Jesus teaching with authority; a brief shouting match with a possessed man; a visually shocking exorcism.
Many times in the Gospels, we see Jesus’ humility. In this story, we see very clearly his boldness. It reminds us that humility is not synonymous with weakness. We are called to be respectful to others, but we are also called to be strong.
When was the last time you stood up for what is right? Are there times when you remain quiet instead of voicing your opposition, only because it is the easy thing to do? Have you stood by silently, or even nodded your head, while a friend talked about someone behind their back? Do you fight for what is just? Do you challenge the status quo?
We live in a complicated world, and many times issues seem equally as complex. Do we use this as an excuse to remain silent, or do we take up the challenge to fight for the “least” of our sisters and brothers?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you healed the sick, cast out demons, and cared for the lost and hopeless. Heal us from the damage caused by our sins, and cast out all hatred, jealousy, lust, and wrath from our hearts. And when we have experienced your healing touch, make us ready to serve you joyfully and to share your peace with others. We ask this in your holy name. Amen.
Saint of the Day
St. Macrina the Elder was the matriarch of a famously faithful family—her son and four of her grandchildren were named saints.
Two of these grandsons helped shape the faith that we proclaim today—Basil the Great, a doctor of the Church, and his brother, Gregory of Nyssa, who helped the Church better articulate her understanding of the Trinity. Both of these men played crucial roles in formulating the Nicene Creed that Catholics still recite every Sunday at Mass. Macrina raised both of these men and their influential younger sister, Macrina the Younger. She gave all these great saints their first religious instruction as children.
During a persecution of Christians, Macrina was forced to flee with her husband to safety. They left their home and hid in the woods for seven years. They were often hungry and had to live off of the land and whatever animals they could hunt. Not long after they were finally allowed to go home, another round of persecution took effect, and their possessions were confiscated.
Despite all these trials and tribulations, Macrina lived a long life and died around the year 340. She is a patron saint of widows and those facing poverty.
St. Macrina the Elder, grandmother who raised a great family for the Church—pray for us!
Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Macrina the Elder is used with permission from Catholic Online. Last accessed November 22, 2024.