FR. GERALD MUSA HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 22ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II (1)

FR. GERALD MUSA HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 22ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II

THEME: AUTHORITY OVER DEMONS

BY: FR. GERALD M. MUSA

HOMILY FOR TUESDAY AUGUST 30 2022

According to St. Thalassios the Libyan, “Three things upset the balance of the body’s temperament: lack of restraint in our diet, a change in the weather, and the touch of the demonic powers.” That touch of demonic powers reminds us of the ancient and ongoing battle between the forces of good and the demonic powers. St. Paul speaks of this battle succinctly, “For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). In the Synagogue, Jesus met a man who was demonised. The devil is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, so it is not surprising that he appears in sacred places and hallowed precincts. He is shrouded in the cloak of anonymity and appears like everyone else but releases his viciousness in subtle ways that lead to the eventual collapse of leaders, associations, communities, and nations. He is constantly at work and playing his threefold functions which are to kill, steal and destroy the souls and well-being of people. Jesus is constantly expelling the devil out of the lives of many. Are we spiritually alert to identify the works of demons within and around us? Are we aware that Jesus gives us the power to overcome forces of darkness?

LUKE 4:31-37