Jesus came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was
teaching on the Sabbath. People were astonished at his teaching, for he spoke
with authority. In the synagogue there was a man who had an unclean spirit, who
cried out with a loud voice, “What have we to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth?
Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are: the Holy One of God!”
Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!”
When the demon had thrown the man down in their midst, he came out, having done
him no harm.
Everyone was amazed, and said to one another, “What is this?
With authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”
News about him went out into every place of the surrounding region.
He rose up from the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s
house. Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a great fever, and they begged
him for her. He stood over her, took her by the hand, lifted her up and rebuked
the fever; and it left her. Immediately she rose up and served them.
At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to him all
who were sick, and those who were possessed by demons. All the city was
gathered together at the door. He healed many who were sick with various
diseases, and cast out many demons. He didn’t allow the demons to speak,
because they knew him.
Reflection
We know our bodies and minds have
great ability, within limits and over time, to heal themselves. What is
pictured here, however, is Jesus speaking with authority to fevers and spirits,
and people being made whole in an instant. The way this happens isn’t magic,
but it is mystery. Do you approach stories such as these with faith or
skepticism? What experiences in your life have shaped your approach?
Prayer:
Open the eyes of my heart and mind, Lord, to life’s mysteries.
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