A man with an evil spirit (Luke 4:31-35)
Imaginative Contemplation
Jesus went to Capernaum. Do I ever feel called to go somewhere or to do something for others? How do I react?
Jesus taught in the synagogue. Despite his experience in the synagogue in Nazareth, Jesus again exposed himself to a crowd who could have turned against him.
The people were amazed at the way in which Jesus taught them. Am I open to listen to God’s message, even when it comes from unexpected places and people?
One person tried to disrupt the meeting. He thought he knew this man, Jesus of Nazareth, God’s holy messenger. But we can never know another person fully, let alone know God fully.
Jesus silenced the man and told the evil spirit to come out of him.
The demon threw the man down in front of all the people. God never throws us down, rather, he raises us up.
Can we recognise our times of depression as incentives to ask God to raise us up to new life and trust in him?
The people heard Jesus speak, and were amazed. They saw what he did and were astounded. Can we recognise God’s message coming to us through scripture, through other people, through the natural world and through the events of daily life?
Enter into the scene
Taking time to centre myself, I take some long slow breaths.
I imagine what it would be like in the synagogue.
What is the weather like as I enter the building?
Is the place crowded? Where do I find a seat?
I join in the opening prayer. Do I sense God’s presence?
I listen to this man as he reads from the scriptures. ‘He has sent me to bring good news to the poor, the blind, the crippled, the prisoners, the oppressed.’
Is there something special about the way he is reading the message? How do I feel as I listen to him? Surprised? Annoyed? Excited? Confused?
Do I identify with any of the groups of people mentioned in this passage?
Do I recognise any of these groups in my life?
I listen to the murmurings of the people around me. What are they saying? Do I agree with them?
Then suddenly someone starts yelling. How do I feel as I hear his loud voice?
What is he saying? How is he saying it? What is the reaction of the people around me? What is Jesus’ reaction?
Jesus takes control of the situation, like a teacher bringing order back to a disrupted class.
‘Be quiet!’ What do I need to quieten in my life? Negative thinking? Oppressive behaviour? Or …
What is Jesus saying to me as I leave this prayer time?
What do I want to say to him?
Prayer
Lord, teach me how to pray. Teach me to listen deeply and to respond with love and generosity. Amen.