FAITHFUL TO GOD: 01/28/24 (Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

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Gospel

Mk 1:21-28

Then they came to Capernaum,

and on the sabbath 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.

All were amazed and asked one another,

"What is this?

A new teaching with authority.

He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him."

His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

Reflection:

A blessed Sunday to all of us! Evil spirits obey Jesus by His authority. This is why until now, the only Church that God established is the only one with the power to cast out evil spirits. This is also known as “exorcism.” Being possessed by demons may not be common due to different reasons that are deeper and extraordinary, but demons can still have influence in our lives in many ways. It is not easy to see if we do not pray.

First, we can see the presence of the demons if there are always conflict and division. Negative thoughts about things and other people do not come from God. The works of the devil include sinful anger, ridicule, rash judgment, and unforgiveness. We may have pain in our hearts, but this is not sinful. However, the enemies of our souls gain influence in us if we harbor grudges and negative feelings.

Besides this, the devil can also have a hold in our lives through sins. When we do not attend Mass and go to the sacrament of confession, our defense against temptations becomes weaker. How do we know that we are committing sins? Let us look into the different kinds of sins. One guide is the ten commandments. We may also look at the seven deadly sins and examine ourselves using these guides. We can do online research if we want it. We can straighten out our lives if we truly desire it with the help and mercy of God.

Many people are wondering why there are many evils around the world. This is part of reality in our world. There is good, and there is evil. That is no longer important. What matters is that we truly belong to the Household of God and that He reigns in our lives, not the devil. It doesn’t mean that our life will be free of problems. Instead, it will be easier to bear the challenges because we are sure that we are in God’s hands. May our consciences be pure as we strive to be faithful to God. We have nothing to fear in life, not even death. Amen.

Reflection by: FMMJ

Translation by: CJTH

Source: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012824.cfm

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Website on how to raise and guard children in their Catholic faith:

https://howtokeepyourkidscatholic.com/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth