Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional – Seventh Week of Ordinary Time – Monday – Mark 9:14-29

Following the mysterious glorification by the Father of Jesus in the Transfiguration, Jesus will confront evil, just as He confronted evil (Satan) after the glorification by the Father in the Baptism.  Satan and his demons hate God.

Jesus, with Peter, James and John, come upon the other disciples who have failed to exorcise a demon; the skeptical Jewish scribes are taunting the disciples.  Upon seeing Christ, the crowds are utterly amazed, likely by Christ’s glorified appearance that remains from the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-3).

A man whose son is demonically possessed son tells Christ that His disciples were unable to help with the terrible and life-threatening attacks on the poor boy by demons. Christ rebukes the disciples for their lack of faith.

On Jesus’ command, the boy is brought to Jesus and the demon, in a futile challenge to God and attempt to confuse the crowd, throws the boy down in a violent fit.  The man, uncertain, begs Christ, if He can, to help.  Christ rebukes the man: “If I can?” The man begs for belief.  With a gathering crowd, Christ rebukes and casts out the demon, who violently convulses the child, leaving him almost dead; Jesus revives the boy, lifting him up.

In private, Jesus instructs the disciples to rely on prayer and fasting when confronting evil, relying exclusively on God.

Awed by Jesus Christ – Christ, the Son of God, is mysteriously glorified in the Transfiguration; people are awed at the sight. Christ, the Almighty King, rebukes to correct the disciples’ lack of faith. Jesus, the Divine Physician, with Divine Power, rebukes and exorcises demons.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1) The Christ is transfigured and draw huge crowds of people who are awed by Him.  Reflect on the many manifestations of Christ’s divinity and be awed.

2) Reflect on Christ’s encounters with Satan and his demons.  Satan exists.  Demons exist.  People are possessed. Despite what some confused Christians or atheists claim, Satan and demonic possessions are not simply mental illness.  Christ is clear and He makes no mistakes.

3) Too often, men get confused and try to battle the world on their own.  To battle the evils and temptations of the world, Christ instructs the disciples to rely on Him in prayer and fasting. Make a commitment to pray and fast more.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Joyful Mysteries

Daily Devotion – The Souls in Purgatory

Virtue of the Day – Fortitude