When I was still a kid, I was afraid of urban legends like vampires, ghosts, white ladies, and witches. My parents usually used them to scare us so we would obey their commands and instructions. Otherwise, these creatures would haunt and abduct us. I held on to these beliefs until I reached the age of proper reason. Many kids, and even adults, are still afraid of these urban legends. As a priest-in-process, I realized that there is something scarier than these urban legends. I must be scared of the evil that could devour me. I must be scared of unclean spirits within me.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus showed the power of love as he spoke with full authority to fight against evil. Jesus’ words have the power to touch, transform, heal and set free those who believe in him. Jesus is Lord over everything. He has the power to drive away evil spirits. He has come to free us from anything that has enslaved us. The power of Jesus confirms the authority of His teaching. He does not just speak with words but He takes action.

As a priest-in-process, the gospel challenges me to surrender my whole life to the Lord. I must accept him as my savior and King. Whenever we approach God’s word submissively, with an eagerness to do everything the Lord desires, we are in a much better position to learn what God wants to teach us through His Word. I must avoid evil, purify my intentions, cleanse my heart and nurture my soul. Jesus’ authority is not something that I must fear but should embrace. His power is rooted in love.

By: Sem. Jimwell S. Sales

Today’s Gospel

Luke 4:31-37

Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee.
He taught them on the sabbath,
and they were astonished at his teaching
because he spoke with authority.
In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon,
and he cried out in a loud voice,
“What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?
Have you come to destroy us?
I know who you are–the Holy One of God!”
Jesus rebuked him and said, “Be quiet! Come out of him!”
Then the demon threw the man down in front of them
and came out of him without doing him any harm.
They were all amazed and said to one another,
“What is there about his word?
For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits,
and they come out.”
And news of him spread everywhere in the surrounding region.