4th Sunday of the Ordinary Time

Suddenly, a man in the Synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit began shouting, “Why are interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy one of God!

Jesus cut him short, “Be quiet! Come out of the man!” He ordered. At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of Him. (Mark 1:23-26).

Evil Spirits or Demons, are ruled by Satan. They work to deceive and destroy people by tempting them to sin and to become enslaved to sin.

St. Mark emphasized the conflict of Jesus with evil powers to show His superiority over them.

So he recorded many stories about Jesus driving out evil spirits.

Jesus did not have to conduct an elaborate exorcism ritual. His word was enough to send out the evil spirit. “Be quiet! Come out of the man!” (Mark1:25).

To prove beyond a doubt that “This man truly was the son of God.” (Mark 15:39)

“The devil was a murderer from the beginning.” (John 8:43).

“The devil is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44).

As part of morning prayer

Almighty and Merciful God,

Bless and protect me,

With the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

To protect me from the wickedness and snares of the Devil.

To deceive and harm me today.

Fr. Augustine Wong