Posted on 01/10/2018 9:11:22 AM PST by Salvation
As we begin the ordinary time of the Church year, we follow the Lord’s public ministry. The curtain lifts and we are in the synagogue at Capernaum:
Jesus entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.
In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “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, “Quiet! Come out of him!”
The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. (Mark 1:21-26)
Here are two brief thoughts:
First, note the astonishment of the people. The preaching of the Word of God is not meant to be a perfunctory part of the Mass. Even when the preacher is not gifted with eloquence or charisma, God’s Word has the power to astonish us.
The Greek word used in this passage is very strong: ἐξεπλήσσοντο (exeplessonto). It comes from combining exe or ek (wholly out) and plesso (to strike) Thus the most literal translation is that Jesus “knocked them out” with his proclamation. The word indicates the state of being utterly amazed, dumbfounded, or left at a complete loss after witnessing something incredible. One can picture someone gaping in sheer astonishment.
If we carefully attend to the Word of God rather than just listening half-heartedly, we should expect to be astonished. It may make us mad, sad, or glad; it may console or afflict us; but we cannot be unchanged if we open our heart and mind to its power.
Do you go to Church expecting to hear a Word that will change you? When you read Scripture, do you expect to be surprised, astonished, or even intrigued? If not, why not?
Second, notice that the demon recognizes Christ for who He is: The Holy One of God. James rather sadly observed that demons believe and even tremble (see James 2:19). If even demons recognize and are thunderstruck by the glory of God, how is it that so many of us are half asleep during the sacred liturgy?
Those who have attended exorcisms are quite surprised at the power that simple holy water, the touch of the priest’s hand, and the priest’s stole have over demons. This is also true of relics and sacramentals. The demons experience their power, yet so many of us are casual and unexpectant around such realities.
These observations are meant not so much to shame as to remind us that in the sacred liturgy we encounter the Lord of Glory. He is present in both word and sacrament. If a demon can know that and have servile fear, how about us? Can we know this and have a reverential fear and love?
Tomorrow I will post more on the power of Jesus’ preaching.
Monsignor Pope Ping!
The power is not so much in the words, but in the thought and consciousness they call to action against evil.
Excellent, as usual.
I don’t think the demon was flattering Jesus- in saying He was the Holy One of God, the people watching could say-“ the demons say he’s the Messiah”. They were trying to confuse people. Notice the first thing Lord Jesus said was for them to be quiet. To shut up. Later, the Jewish religious leaders said Jesus was the Lord of the Flies, a demon Himself. This incident may have had something to do with it. You never want a demon witnessing to your greatness. Kind of like a pimp saying you’re a good candidate for President.
US have no problem; that is, those of US who have trusted Christ as our Savior from sin. Demons tremble because they rebelled against the Triune God. Thereby dissing the Second Person of the Holy Trinity; the only Savior in the Universe. They have good reason to tremble. We, who are in Christ, and He in us, have none.
Yeah, uh, right.... There is something really fuzzy in your analysis there. Because of the Seventy Weeks prophecy in Daniel, the timing of Jesus recognition as the Messiah was critical. Several times when Jesus discerned that the masses were going to proclaim Him King, He departed from their presence.
However, when you stand before Jesus, you can discuss this with Him. Good luck!
Is this the same guy who just declared that people in heaven go to church, including standing, kneeling, ect?
But the U. S. does have a problem. There are many Satanist groups and many people possessed by the devil (demons.)
Yes. It’s true. But those who got into that stuff did not do it for want of a Christian witness and opportunity to hear the gospel. With a church on practically every street corner, and Christian radio and TV stations up and down the dials....
In fact, God says in the Word, that just by observing the wonders of Creation, they must KNOW that there is a Creator, whom they should worship; so they are without excuse.
Many are called, but few are chosen.
Roger that.
And yet Roman Catholics like to brag about how many are in their church.
Interesting observations. I never thought about it that way.
**Demons tremble because they rebelled against the Triune God.**
“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe and tremble.” James 2:19
**Thereby dissing the Second Person of the Holy Trinity**
So under the “three persons” format, the “first person” and “third person” were still being respected by the demons?
yes, my take on it is that they’re demons, they don’t worship God- they’re terrified of Him, but they want to kill Him. It actually worked in one sense, they inspired people to put Him to death. They were scared of Paul, too. Had him shipwrecked and when Paul was collecting firewood to warm himself on the beach, he was bitten by a poisonous serpent. He shook it off because before he was born, God had already designed his genes so that he was immune. God has a great sense of humor.
I think I’ve made my profession of faith in Christ pretty clear on these threads.
As stated before and on numerous times....yes.
14“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. 16“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17“For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18“He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:16-18 NASB
This teaches the eternal security of the believer.
The question is do Roman Catholics believe this?
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