Daily Gospel Reflection
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January 9, 2024
Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers,
and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught.
The people were astonished at his teaching,
for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.
In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit;
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!”
Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!”
The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.
All were amazed and asked one another,
“What is this?
A new teaching with authority.
He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.”
His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines authority as the “power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior.” As an attorney, I assist my clients as they navigate the complex web of laws, rules, and regulations and usually deal with one or more adverse parties, administrators, judges, or juries along the way. So, whether counseling clients or negotiating with opposing counsel, whether arguing in front of a jury or to the Supreme Court, to be successful, attorneys must speak and write with a level of authority to influence the behavior of others.
I always felt a bit of comfort that I may be considered an authority on a topic or two in the law. But that is only according to the earthly dictionary definition of authority. Reading today’s gospel, I realize that I am not really a true authority on anything in my life. I am like the scribes—learned in the law and willing to write and speak about the law in public—but no more.
Fortunately for us, we have the Holy Spirit as a true authority that helps us fill in the gaps in our day-to-day lives and throughout our faith journey. We don’t need an attorney to tell us the difference between malum per se (wrong in and of itself) and malum prohibitum (wrong because society says it is wrong). We don’t rely solely on our education and experiences to discern the truth. We have all the help we need if we open our minds and hearts and allow ourselves to be astonished at the teachings of Jesus.
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

Sts. Julian and Basilissa were a married couple living in Egypt during the third and fourth centuries. They lived very simply and dedicated their lives to caring for the poor and sick. They converted their home to a hospital, which was said to serve nearly 1,000 people at a time.
After Basilissa died, Julian continued in his good works. During a persecution of Christians by the Roman empire, he sheltered priests from being captured and tortured. He himself was caught and tortured before being beheaded. Many others, including priests in hiding, were arrested with him and also martyred, including seven brothers; a recent convert to Christianity named Anastasius; as well as a boy, Celsus, and his mother.
The relics of Sts. Anastasius, Celsus, and Julian rest in the Basilica reliquary chapel.
Sts. Julian and Basilissa, you were the married couple who gave everything to care for the poor and sick, pray for us!