Jessel Pradeep Cutinha csc –
Readings: 1 Thes 5:1-6, 9-11; Lk 4: 31-37
Today’s liturgy highlights the theme of spiritual authority. Through spiritual authority the faithful today is invited to be vigilant in the face of challenges.
Today’s readings speak about the transformative power of Jesus, showing his ability to bring about change and deliverance. St. Paul in the first reading of today speaks about the day of the Lord highlighting the importance of being awake. As believers in Jesus, we have the authority to live in the light of Christ and be vigilant in faith. For this we have to be secured with the spiritual armor.
The gospel of today illustrates Jesus’ authority over the spiritual forces. Jesus has the power and authority to free individuals from demonic influences. The gospel today tells us that even the demons recognize Jesus as the Holy One of God. Today, we the children of God are called to recognize his authority within us.
Both the readings remind us of the significance of remaining connected to God’s word and to experience the transformative power of Christ’s presence. What happens when we exercise our spiritual authority that is given to us by Jesus?
The saint of the day, St. Theresa of Kolkata who is also known as Mother Theresa gives us the answer. She shows us that exercising spiritual authority is to care for the poor and helpless, it is to heal the sick and the suffering, it is to be the light to those who are in darkness, it is to help others to realize the love of God. To exercise spiritual authority is to live a saintly life.