Reflection
Luke 4: 31-37
In today’s gospel, Jesus teaches with divine authority and gives a demonstration of that authority by casting out an unclean spirit. Here we see a theme that appears several times in Luke’s gospel – Jesus is not just here to proclaim the Kingdom of God; He manifests that power by freeing humanity from the forces of evil.
When Jesus comes to Capernaum, he enters the synagogue on the Sabbath. Luke tells us that the people were “astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority”. Unlike the scribes and Pharisees, whose authority was derived from their interpretation of tradition, Jesus speaks with real authority. His authority is completely unique in that it comes from his true identity as God among them in the flesh. To what extent the people understood that is unclear, but what is clear is that they saw it as something quite different and “astonishing”. This is not just another person teaching them something about God. This is God himself teaching them about himself.
His encounter with the man possessed by the demon is fascinating in that unlike the people, the demon seems to know exactly who it is standing before him. He correctly identifies him as the “Holy one of God”. Remarkably, the demon has correct knowledge about Jesus even though he does not possess faith or obedience. Despite having that knowledge, he opposes Jesus. Jesus simply tells the demon “Be silent – come out of him”. No complicated ritual, prayers or appeal to a higher power as might have been expected if this were the Jewish leaders attempting this. Again, as readers of this story we know why – this is true power commanding his obedience. And despite his opposition, the demon immediately obeys. One of the early heresies in the Church was dualism – the belief that God and Satan are equal but opposite powers. This encounter is one of many that clearly shows that they are not equal - God is infinitely greater. He has no equal. Even the demons obey him. Despite his great power, Satan is ultimately finite. There is only one who is truly infinite.
Also note that Jesus frees this man from the demon without harming him. Clearly his mission is to free this man from his slavery to the demon. This of course is a key part of his ministry – to free all from the slavery of sin. The people then say “what is this word”? This is crucial. Human language is merely descriptive. With God, his word is creative. What God says, is. God said “let there be light” - and there was light. When Jesus says to the dead man “Lazarus rise” - the dead man rises. God speaks reality into being. In this story, God commands the demon to “come out” and the demon obeys. Again, we don’t know to what extent the witnesses to this were aware of that, but it seems by their response that there was at least some realization of how extraordinary the event was that they saw.
The Church lives this same mission today through her sacraments, particularly Baptism, Reconciliation and Eucharist, each of which brings the grace through which Christ sanctifies and frees us from our sin.
Finally, Luke tells us that word about Jesus spread through the region. The proper response to encountering Christ is proclamation and evangelization. Those who witness his authority become witnesses themselves.
Question for reflection: In what ways have I experienced Jesus freeing me from my sin? How did I respond?