Memorial of St. Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church
In today’s gospel passage, the people are struck with the authority with which Jesus speaks. In this particular passage he shows that authority by casting out an unclean spirit with only a word of command. We should let ourselves be amazed by the authority that Jesus shows, and reflect on where it comes from.
John 1:1 says, “in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” We see the power of this Word in Genesis 1:3, when God says “Let there be light, and there was light.” That is a very powerful word! Then in John 1:14, John writes “and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” And so, we see that this Word of God is God Incarnate. And so, Jesus is the Word of God. All of the power and authority that created this world are present in the words of Jesus. And that is the authority the townspeople sensed on that day.
Reflection by Fr. Aquinas Keusenkothen, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections