Lectionary # 432, Scripture for Sept. 1,2009

Scripture for Sept. 1, 2009 (22nd Tue.). I Thessalonians 5:1-6.9-11. Psalm
27:1.4.13-14. Luke 4:31-37. Lectionary # 432:

Luke has more of the exorcisms that Jesus performs than the other Gospels.
He continues to mention this healing power of Jesus in the Acts of the
Apostles. Fr.Karris, an expert on the Gospel of Luke has this succinct
summary of the exorcisims that Jesus performs: "Jesus engages in
controversy with the religious leaders about the source of his power over
evil. Luke and the traditions known to him could not describe Jesus
without emphasizing that in him God is freeing creation from those powers
which are strangling it. There is much truth in the position of those who
view Luke 11:20 and Acts 10:38 as keys to all that Luke has to say about
Jesus and evil: in his exorcisms Jesus shows the nature of God's rule; his
whole ministry can be described as the libeation of all those who are
oppressed by the powers of evil." (New Jerome Biblical Commentary,
p.691.43:63). Here are the two passages mentioned:
"But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the
kingdom of God has come upon you." (luke 11:20). And, "how God anointed
Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about
doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was
with him." (Acts 10:38).

Jesus now in his first recorded exorcism in Luke is teaching with authority
in a synagogue on a Sabbath at Capernaum. He notices the man possessed and
hears the evil demons cry out, "Leave us alone! What do you want of us,
Jesus of Nazareth? I know who you are: The Holy One of God." Jesus
commands them to be silent and casts out the evil demons. The people are
amazed that he has such power and they say, "He commands the unclean
spirits with authority and power, and they leave."

Perhaps, the realm of demons today are the addictions that we hear about
and experience even in our own institutions, families, and cities. Drugs,
alcohol, abusive behavior, sexual license, etc. Only Jesus can really
exorcise these demons. We need to have confidence in his power and
authority over these new modes of demons and make sure that we ourselves
ask him to help us avoid submitting to these demons. Even the little demons
of selfishness and self-centeredness need to be confronted by Jesus'voice
within us. By trusting in him we can overcome the temptations that haunt
us.

Starting the day with remembrance of the person of Jesus and his power over
all evil we can live and work with him and overcome the evil around us.
Prayer is what helps us to remember Jesus, to listen to his voice in the
Scriptures, and to unite ourselves to his mission. Then as St. Paul says in
I Thessalonians, "we are children of the light and of the day. Let us not
be asleep but awake and sober." We are not alone but are with the
community of believers and with Jesus, therefore, as Paul continues, "we
take comfort and upbuild one another." Lord, lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from all evil. Amen.