A man with an evil spirit: Mark 1:21-28
Imaginative Contemplation
Jesus went to the synagogue in Capernaum on the Sabbath. The people who heard him were amazed at the authoritative way in which he taught. How was the teaching of Jesus different from that of the scribes and Pharisees? How did the people react to the teachings of Jesus?
Just then, a man with an evil spirit came into the synagogue, shouting at Jesus, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Are you here to destroy us? I know who you are --you are God’s holy messenger.” Why did the man go to the synagogue? How was it that he recognised who Jesus was?
Jesus ordered the spirit, “Be quiet and come out of him!” How did the man feel as Jesus expelled the evil spirit? What was the reaction of the by-standers?
Enter into the scene
Another Sabbath in Capernaum. As usual, I made my way to the synagogue for the morning service. It is always good to start the day in the presence of the Lord. I value the teachings which are delivered there each week. We have some good leaders.
Today seemed to be different. The new Teacher, Jesus of Nazareth, was handed the scroll, and I could hear him unrolling it. He was looking for a special text. He began to preach, and his preaching was all about love, real love for the person next to you. He said this was a part of God’s love for people, each person, without exception. This was a different message from those of the other teachers, who always seemed to be obsessed with the literal interpretation of the Law to such an extent that the details of the Law were treated as more important than its life-giving spirit.
I became aware of someone screaming and stamping his feet. He confronted Jesus, yelling defiantly, ‘What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are – the Holy One of God!’ the crowd was quiet, frightened and bewildered, as I was, too. When I heard the questions shouted at Jesus, I thought that this was what the teachers of the Law wanted to say to Jesus, but they were too afraid of the crowd. But they certainly would not have said the next sentence, acclaiming Jesus as the Holy One of God!
Jesus seemed calm as he ordered the evil spirit to be silent and leave the man in peace. There seemed to be a battle going on, and then I heard a thud. The man must have fallen to the ground. Everyone was aghast, fearful, yet deeply moved. The mad man seemed to have regained his humanity. As Jesus left the Synagogue, many of us decided to seek out the new Teacher who had made such a deep impression on us all.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
Jesus restored the man’s dignity. Do I dismiss people who’re different, or can I see each person as a loved child of God?
Do I seek knowledge of important issues from reliable sources, or do I listen to and act upon suspect information?
Do the Gospels amaze me, or have I become immune to their challenges?
Am I ever amazed? How does that change the way I live?
Prayer
Lord, open my mind and heart to recognise the truth that you proclaim. Help me to recognise the value of each person and treat them with respect. Amen.