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

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

Christ teaches in the synagogue 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 torture 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 Jesus 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 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) Many moderns scoff at demons, believing that demonic possession is in reality, simply mental or physical illness. Consider that Christ confirms that demons are real and pray for Christ to protect you against the many demons seeking to tempt and possess you.

3) Few Catholic men have a rigorous habit of daily Scripture reading. Pray for Christ to help you to be “amazed”at His Word like those who heard Him teach and commit to study His teachings in Scripture on a daily basis.

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