On Sunday and now, today’s gospel reveals Jesus’ authority over evil. In both cases, men’s souls have been captured by Satan. No human action can save them, either by their own efforts or anyone else. Only Jesus can set them free.
A Wake-up Call
In each case, we are reminded of how evil can enslave men and women and even the young. Thankfully, most people will never be “possessed” by the devil like these two men and others of our time. Yet, it is a wake-up call to, as we say in the act of contrition, “… avoid the near occasions of sin.”
Our Main Defense
One of the main defenses we have against evil is the Sacrament of Baptism. In the baptismal rite, before a person is baptized, the priest or deacon performs what is called a minor exorcism, much different than the major exorcisms from the past two gospels.
Most people don’t even notice that it is happening, but what occurs is important. In this moment the priest or deacon says the prayer:
“Almighty and ever-living God, you sent your only Son into the world to cast out the power of Satan, spirit of evil, to rescue man from the kingdom of darkness, and bring him into the splendor of your kingdom of light. We pray for this child: set them free from original sin, make them a temple of your glory, and send your Holy Spirit to dwell with them. We ask this through Christ our Lord.”
This prayer recognizes that everyone needs God’s grace to cleanse them of the inherited original sin of Adam and Eve, so that we can be what God has created us to be temples of the Holy Spirit, glorifying God by our lives.
The Spiritual Gift of Baptism
Whenever I have the opportunity, I encourage parents to have their newborn children baptized into the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus as soon as possible. What greater spiritual gift could we provide for them as they enter this world? In a world that has so much uncertainty and confusion, we should never forget the need for God’s adoption and healing grace for our youngest family members. With so many countersigns to the message of Jesus, our young need the grace of Baptism. And, if you know someone who is older, pray for them and tell them too about what this means for their life.
Renewing the Hope of Others
Lastly, did you notice what Jesus told the man whom He had healed? The man wanted to stay with Jesus, but Jesus had a mission for him. He told him: “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” I’d say that’s something that we can do, too.
- Take the time to reflect on how Jesus has healed us through Baptism and Confession.
- Joyfully share how Jesus has set us free from the bonds of sin.
My brothers and sisters, today is a day to renew our hope in Jesus' power over the darkness of sin and evil. It is a day to give thanks for our baptism and the healing power of confessing our sins and to share this message with those we love, beginning at home.
May God bless you and your families this holy day!
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