LUKE 4:31-37 THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS

Year A – Tuesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time

In today's Gospel, people are amazed because Jesus teaches with authority, and even the unclean spirit recognizes who He is. Jesus does not simply speak about God's power; His words have the power to change lives. With one command, He brings freedom to a man who has been held captive. The Gospel reminds us that when Jesus speaks into our lives, He does not merely give us information—He brings us freedom.

We may not encounter an unclean spirit as this man did, but all of us can carry things that quietly control us: fear, anger, resentment, jealousy, addictions, anxiety, or habits we know are not good for us. Sometimes we become so accustomed to these things that we begin to think, “This is just who I am.” But Jesus does not look at us and say, “You have to live with this forever.” He comes with authority and invites us to open those places of our lives to Him. His word can reach places where our own strength cannot.

Perhaps today's Gospel invites us to ask: What is controlling me that I need to place under the authority of Jesus? We can come to Mass, pray, and still keep certain parts of our lives closed to Him. Jesus wants more than a place in our schedule; He wants access to our hearts. Let us bring to Him today whatever keeps us from living freely and peacefully. We may not experience an immediate miracle, but if we truly allow Christ's word to work within us, He can gradually break the chains that hold us and restore the freedom for which we were created.

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler