Authority and power

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Dulce Jesus Mio

Ex Cathedra

Today is Tuesday the 2nd of September, in the 22nd week of Ordinary Time.

Ex Cathedra, directed by Jeffrey Skidmore, sing Dulce Jesus mio. “My sweet Jesus, look with mercy on my lost soul.” As you sit here, or stand here now, trying to pray, what kind of shape is your soul in? Content and at peace? Lost and wandering? On the edge? And what about the other souls around you? Are there ‘lost souls’ here beside you who also need the love of God in their lives?

Yya1 Jesuchrixhto,

apuk1rui

ityaku niyausus1p1

ninait1 sobi.

Dulce Jesús mío,

mirad con piedad

mi alma perdida

por culpa mortal.

3:32

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 4:31-37

He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the sabbath. They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Let us alone! 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.’ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm. They were all amazed and kept saying to one another, ‘What kind of utterance is this? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and out they come!’ And a report about him began to reach every place in the region.

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The people in Capernaum were amazed at the way Jesus taught with authority and exercised power. Where have you experienced the power and authority of Jesus in your life? What is it like for you to be under such authority?

Where are you invited to carry responsibility or lead with care? How might your words or actions affect those around you? What grace or gift from God do you long for so that you can lead and serve well? Take a moment to ask for this gift now.

As you listen to the passage again, focus on the healing that the authority of Jesus brings.

8:09

Luke 4:31-37

He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the sabbath. They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Let us alone! 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.’ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm. They were all amazed and kept saying to one another, ‘What kind of utterance is this? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and out they come!’ And a report about him began to reach every place in the region.

9:27

As this time of prayer and reflection comes to a close, pray for wisdom in your interactions with others.

11:35

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen