The authority of the Holy Spirit
1 CORINTHIANS 2:10-16; PSALM 145; LUKE 4:31-37
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“They were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority”. Today’s gospel passage presents us with the authority of Jesus Christ. While the first reading brought out the essential office of the Holy Spirit. The authority of Jesus is unlike secular and militarial authorities. His authority is not coercive or forceful rather it is love-full. By that same authority he commands the unclean spirits, and they came out. His authority makes impression on men and it is worthy of proclamation and emulation. Let us recognize his authority and bring all men under his government that we may be free from demonic possessions and manipulations.
Again, to understand his authority, purpose and mission we need the Holy Spirit. Paul tells us in the first reading that the Spirit searches all things even the deep things of God. Thus, without the Holy Spirit the Bible is just another literature work, without the Holy Spirit, the homilies are impressive oratories; demons are not expelled because we speak English rather because of the Holy Spirit. The name Jesus Christ would sound like any other name if we have no relationship with the Holy Spirit. By this same Spirit, Paul says; we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. So if we must understand spiritual realities, we must be filled with the Spirit of God. By that very grace, the authority we excercise becomes holy. The Holy Authority is not forceful nor manipulative, rather it is love-full.
LET US PRAY
Father, have mercy. Lord Jesus, we beg you for deliverance. From anxiety, sadness and obsessions, rage, death, and every form of the occult we beg you, free us. And through the Holy Spirit make us whole and strong. Amen
