Jan 29 2006

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.
The healing was the removal of an unclean spirit. It is a mystery to me exactly what the condition might be in our modern times. The unclean spirits actually speak out of the afflicted person who is later healed. There are many who come to Jesus from all over the region of Galilee to be healed. The home region of Galilee was one of the most difficult for Jesus to be truly recognized for who he is and yet now the word of healing is spreading and acceptance of him is growing as a teacher with new authority.

I think that there is much to understand in this reading that is not fully coming to me this morning. The message that does come to me is that even the unclean spirit knew to call out to Jesus. I need to remember that in many situations it is important to call out to Jesus for help and healing. It can be that simple at times. I have so complex a life that I know sometimes I forget to do the most basic things first.

My prayer this morning is to again offer my whole being to God who is the source of all life and goodness. I ask Jesus this morning for healing of body, mind and spirit. I ask to be Jesus to others in what I do today.