All it takes is the smallest of gaps for havoc to erupt in a situation filled with love and joy. People get rushed or things take longer than expected. Instead of slowing down and explaining the delay or asking for clear expectations, assumptions are made. Frustration builds and disarray ensues. Evil lurks, waiting for a small crack to invade harmony. All we need to do is call on the name of the Lord to bring order back . . . and be willing to take a look at our own actions to assess the part we played in the confusion.
Todays Gospel (Luke 4:31-37) demonstrates the power of Jesus in turning hearts and minds:
Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee. He taught them on the sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out in a loud voice, "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, "Be quiet! Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down in front of them and came out of him without doing him any harm. They were all amazed and said to one another, "What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out." And news of him spread everywhere in the surrounding region.
Todays Gospel (Luke 4:31-37) demonstrates the power of Jesus in turning hearts and minds:
Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee. He taught them on the sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out in a loud voice, "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, "Be quiet! Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down in front of them and came out of him without doing him any harm. They were all amazed and said to one another, "What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out." And news of him spread everywhere in the surrounding region.
In Anne a lay apostle's book The Mist of Mercy, she describes an experience which brings me comfort when evil tries to work its way into a situation:
"Our Lord showed me a glimpse of one small area of hell at this time. I saw a soul with the ugliest red eyes. They are vacant, devoid of all humanity. They are evil. This demon’s eyes locked onto something and for a moment I thought it was me but he went right past me and began to assault another one such as himself. They are fighting constantly here. They are assaulting each other. They are molesting each other. They are shaming and humiliating each other. They are in the right place. I felt no fear as they cannot hurt us and I know it."
Lay apostles, so much hurt and pain can be diffused when we acknowledge where the feelings of negativity are rooted. Does delay in service make you feel less important? Do hurtful words sting because there is an essence of truth to them? As we learned in kindergarten, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Don't let evil sneak in and ruin the joy and protection Christ gives to His children. Love one another and talk it out.
Thank you, Lord, for quick resolutions to unnecessary upset. I am in awe of how fast You turn things around with prayer!
God bless,
Bonnie
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