Friday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today’s first reading from the Prophet Joel has a familiar ring to it. We hear from this Book of Joel proclaiming a season of fast and abstinence at the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. It is a call to arms to do battle with the powers of evil and prepare for the ultimate victory over evil and death which we anticipate in the Resurrection of Jesus.
Notice how our Gospel comes to us equipped for battle and focuses on mental illness, seizures, and conflicts, which have been known throughout the time of Jesus. The actual cause and release of those seizures remain blurred in the early oral history of the Church. It was normal in the early stages of medical knowledge to ascribe physical and mental afflictions to the work of demons. However, through argument and demonstration, Jesus expands upon and proves his ultimate power and authority over all forms of evil.
This fact should not be overlooked when we look upon Christ as our redeemer. He is the Victorious One who passed through death and has promised to walk with us in every aspect of our human experience. This means when we are confronted with evil or its effects we need to call upon Our Lord’s help to choose a new attitude of trust. It means following the way that leads to life rather than darkness.
Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections