Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time – January 28, 2024
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January 25, 2024
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
In the gospel this week we encounter Jesus face to face with unclean spirits. These are the fallen angels, devils or demons, that long ago refused to obey God. Lucifer, the prince of darkness, or Satan is their leader. With him, they told God: “Non serviam; I will not serve.” Their disobedience lost them forever a place with God and the joy of heaven; they are eternally damned. Ever since then they have continued to “roam through the world seeking the ruin of souls (Prayer of St. Michael).” Though their power in relation to Jesus Christ should never be exaggerated, that is, the power and authority of the Lord is way beyond them; they continue to do much damage, especially in disobedient, weak, lax, souls, that are prepared to cooperate with them in the kingdom of darkness.
Did you notice in the gospel that the unclean spirit clearly identifies Jesus: “I know who you are – the Holy One of God!”? This evil spirit is correct. Knowledge of the Faith is never enough. We must live that faith by a holy life as St. Paul tells us in Corinthians 7:32-35. We must not be “distracted” by the world, the flesh, and the devil. Each day we must choose Jesus the light of the world. “If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts (Ps.95:8)” the Church has prayed in the Liturgy of the Hours early each morning for many centuries.
Friday, February 2 is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. Traditionally, on this day candles are blessed. We desire the simple faith of Anna and Simeon and beg the Lord to dwell more fully within the temple of our souls. We extend a loving welcome to Him every day as we say with Simeon: “A light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel (Luke 2:29-32).”
Jesus Christ is the Light of the World and the Light of our lives. As you use blessed candles at your home altar for prayers and devotions with your family gathered around you, pray that His love, life, and light will be with you now and into eternity. This is the “authority” that Jesus shares will His followers. We become His presence, His Light, for all to see. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!
Yours in Christ the Light,
Fr. Mark G. Mazza, Pastor
