Scripture focus for the JAN 31 Mass

DRIVING OUT DEMONS!

In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit;
he cried out, “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!”
Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet!  Come out of him!”
The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another,
“What is this? A new teaching with authority.
He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.”
His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

This Gospel from Mark challenges us today. What do we believe? What signs or miracles do we need? There were others during Jesus time who healed people, too. This time the unclean spirit recognizes Jesus and calls him the Holy One of God. Even the demons recognize Jesus. Jesus heals this poor man. Jesus is waiting to heal us, too. Maybe we don’t have any demons kick out but we could probably clean house. Maybe we have bad habits or attachments to things that aren’t good for us or the people around us. In a few weeks, we begin our journey through Lent hoping for transformation. Don’t wait to go to confession. Clean house and get started now. Jesus is just waiting to heal you, too.

Blessings, Donna

P.S. The Our Father prayer is a deliverance prayer. Are you in turmoil or struggling? Say the Our Father. Make the Sign of the Cross and put yourself into the presence of the Holy Trinity. Learn to quote Scripture. That’s how Jesus fought the temptation of the devil in the desert. Ask the Holy Spirit to stay with you. Say St. Faustina’s message from Jesus. Say, “Jesus I trust in you.” Tell St. Michael the Archangel you need him now! Find a way to say, ‘go away! I will not let you harm me!’ Jesus can walk through locked doors to bring peace! Just ask him! Ask Jesus to heal you and bring you peace! He is always waiting and willing to lend a hand and lift you up. (Spoiler alert: That’s the Gospel for next week!)

Readings from USCCB

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