Today, we gather to explore a profound message drawn from the Gospel of Luke. To set the stage, I'd like to share a personal story, an incident from my own life that emphasizes the enduring significance of this message.
Back in 2005, as the administrator of a school in Northeast India, I found myself thrust into an extraordinary situation one evening.
It was after a long day's work when one of our staff members came running, urgently seeking our assistance. She was deeply troubled because her son was acting strangely.
As we reached her home, a perplexing scene unfolded before us.
The Power and Authority
Her son was wriggling on his bed, his face a contorted blend of fear and anger. As we ventured further into the room, we heard a voice, a paranormal and otherworldly sound.
Approaching with the comforting presence of holy water and the strength of the Rosary, we encountered a force, an unseen entity, which sent shivers down our spines. The boy, his eyes tightly shut, was gripped by an inexplicable anger. When we attempted to place a Rosary around his neck, he reacted violently, claiming it was too heavy, and he struggled fiercely to remove it. Nevertheless, we persevered, securing the Rosary around his neck and sprinkling holy water.
In response, he screamed as if the holy water had ignited a fire within him. He twisted and resisted as if a sinister grip was gradually loosening. Then, as if breaking free from an evil spell, he became calm, and he fell into a deep sleep, liberated from the darkness that had held him captive.
My dear friends, this incident serves as a poignant reminder of the power and authority of Jesus over darkness. As we read in Luke 4:36:
"What is there about His Word? For with authority and power, He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out."
A Beacon of Light for Those Lost
Today, we commemorate a saint who exemplifies wielding spiritual authority in a profoundly impactful way, St. Teresa of Kolkata or Mother Teresa. She cared for the poor and the helpless, tended to the sick and the suffering, and shone as a beacon of light for those lost in darkness.
Invoke the Name of Jesus
In a world where darkness often disguises itself in a myriad of forms, we, as individuals and families, must place our unwavering trust in Jesus. The devil, a very real entity, seeks to infiltrate our lives through subtle and deceptive means. Temptations, conflicts, despair, and division are all subtle manifestations of his malevolent presence.
So, what is our course of action? We must turn to the all-powerful name of Jesus. When you sense the devil's ominous shadow drawing near, whether through temptation or adversity, do not hesitate to invoke Jesus’ name. For it is in the name of Jesus that demons tremble, and darkness is banished.
As we depart from this sacred gathering today, let us remember that we wield a mighty weapon against the darkness that seeks to encroach upon our families and our lives: our unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Let us place our complete trust in Him, for His power and authority serve as our unyielding shields and unwavering strength.
May the name of Jesus be ever on our lips and may His divine light shine brightly in our homes, dispelling all shadows and darkness.
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.jpg "Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C.")