Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional and Bible Study – 22nd Week in Ordinary time – Tuesday – Luke 4:31-37

The Gospel reading from the Mass for Tuesday of the 22nd Week of Ordinary Time is Luke 4:31-37.

After announcing He is the Messiah in His hometown of Nazareth on the Sabbath and being attacked by a murderous mob, Christ walks 30 miles to Capernaum. In this fishing/agricultural town on the northern coast of the Sea of Galilee with a population of several thousand, Christ establishes a base for His Galilean ministry.

Christ teaches in the synagogue in Capernaum on the Sabbath and, in contrast to the closed minds of Nazareth, He astounds men for His “word” has great authority and power. Sensing the Divine and filled with great fear, demons in a possessed man are the first to speak the name of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel, proclaiming Jesus to be “the Holy One of God.”  The demons, with supernatural perception, realize the infinite power of Christ and His ability to destroy them with a word. Instead, Christ commands them to be silent about His identity and casts them out of the man, who though tossed about, is made well.

The men of the synagogue, who likely had known the torturous suffering of the demon-possessed man, are amazed (overwhelming wonder) at the miracle they have witnessed; they see an exorcism up close and the return of the possessed man to health and sanity. Those who witness Christ’s power are so awed by the miracle that they immediately spread the news about Christ to all the surrounding region.

Awed by Jesus Christ – Son of God, Christ has absolute power over Creation, including the demons who fell with Satan and roam the earth. Divine Prophet, Christ is recognized as a teacher who has an amazing ability to authoritatively interpret Scripture. Divine Physician, Christ heals supernatural demon possession with simple commands. Divine King, Christ controls when, where and how His mission will be fulfilled.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1)  There are many who wrongly view Christ as simply a very good teacher or wise man. Reflect on the truth that Christ publicly confirms the reality of demons and demonstrates His supernatural power and dominion to cast out demons; in this, He demonstrates His Divinity.

2) In contrast to ignorant modern men who scoff at demons, believing that demonic possession is in reality, simply mental or physical illness, Christ repeatedly confirms that Satan and demons are real. Refresh your understanding of Satan and Demons (CCC 409, 421, 447, 539, 550, 566, 635-636, 1086, 1708, 2850-2854) and pray for Christ to help you recognize Satan’s continual temptations and to deliver you from the Evil One.

3) In contrast to the fear of demons and the awe of men who witnessed Christ’s power, many men have lost the fear of God, foolishly presuming Jesus to be their easy-going “buddy.” Reflect upon the Fear of God (CCC 1041, 1303, 1831, 1949, 2084, 2116, 2144, 2150) and pray for Christ to give you the Gift of the Holy Spirit of fearing God.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Sorrowful Mysteries

Daily Devotion – The Guardian Angels

Virtue of the Day – Justice

Corporal Work of Mercy – To clothe the naked

Spiritual Work of Mercy – To counsel the doubtful