Powers and The Power.

Deuteronomy 18:15-20

1 Corinthians 8:1--13

Mark 1:21--28

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany 

Humans have always known that there is more to the world than the naked eye can see. We know about molecules and atoms, cells and viruses, microwaves, x-rays, and radio waves. Much of the physical world is "invisible" and sometimes it is not very physical. 

If scientists tell us that the world is a strange place, is it unreasonable to think there is an unseen, spiritual world? For example, what is a thought or a feeling? What is human consciousness? How are the mind and the brain different? Calling spirits energy or the soul an animating principle does not explain the mystery away. 

The New Testament assumes the reality of the spiritual realm. St. Paul understands idols and pagan gods. Paul had read the Hebrew Bible, particularly Isaiah, which sees the idols as blocks of wood. Paul identifies the principalities and powers behind the pagan gods as demons. Jesus knew demons were real because He had dealt with them. His mission is against the dark powers which rule humans and nations. This is part of the church’s ministry. 

Mark 1 tells of such an encounter. Jesus was teaching in Capernaum (the synagogue is the same size as our church). He was amazing. Suddenly a man with an unclean spirit begins screaming at Him. The demon accuses Jesus of being the Holy One who has come to destroy the demons. Jesus commands it to leave. The Greek word sparasso (to mangle, to rend, to spasm) describes the violent departure. Jesus is victorious in that battle, but it was a battle.

Jesus' Kingdom is love, mercy, repentance, unity and peace. Satan desires the opposite—the vicious sins which divide us and create chaos and violence. The work of demons has never ceased, but three years ago the Vatican reported* a dramatic increase in demonic activity. The mental health issues, political turmoil and violence infecting our land are hardly fruits of the Holy Spirit, would you agree? 

If the darkness discourages us, then we must remember that Jesus is phosphoros (literally one who carries light). Epiphany is a celebration of the Eternal Light become incarnate and manifesting the Salvation of God. We who believe in Jesus are filled with His Spirit and carry His light.

So believe, repent and love the Lord and one another. Be aware of the demonic powers at work among us, especially in our minds, hearts, bodies and politics. Worry less, trust more. Pray, study and serve more, worry, fear, and fight less. Jesus came to destroy the demonic and set us free, if we suffer some spasms in this earthly sojourn, we do it with hope. Jesus is victorious.

  

 

*https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican-trains-exorcists-as-demonic-possession-claims-rise-37263

Samuel Hear God (2 Epiphany)

1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)               1 corinthians 6:12-20                 John 1:43-51

It is helpful to read Samuel in light of Judges. The failures of all the judges are recapitulated in the story of Samson. He is also a bridge into todays reading. For example,  Samson’s troubles begin when he sees a pagan woman and tells his parents. “Get her for me, she is right in my eyes.” In the end, Samson dies with both of his eyes blinded. The Book ends by saying : “There was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

This is not a positive assessment but a reference to Eve, who did what was right in her eyes, and ate the forbidden fruit. The priest Eli will also have issues with his “eye/ayin” and what he “sees/ ra’ah.” Eli is accused of not seeing the blasphemy and abuses of his sons as priests. We read that Eli’s eyes are darkened—spiritually as well as physically, just like Samson.

Samuel’s mother needed a miracle to get pregnant. While she is at prayer, Eli thinks she is drunk; another illustration that his “eyes are dim.” Hannah dedicated to God, a connection to the same nazirite vows Samson failed to keep.

One could say the nation of Israel was in darkness: “The word of YHWH is rare. There are no visions.” However, there is a glimmer of hope for “the lamp had not gone out.” A small boy who tends that lamp is about to be called to bring light to Israel.

God called Adam and Eve, who hid, now He Samuel, who responds. The old priest instructs the boy to answer, and the third time he is called he says, “Speak, your servant is listening.” The Hebrew word for listen is shama, the root of Samuel’s name. His name is “The one who hears God.”

Samuel will listen to and obey God. After King Saul fails, God will send Samuel to find David—a man after God’s heart. God’s covenant with David includes a promise of an heir and an everlasting kingdom.

These are some of the links in that long chain of salvation history which culminates in the Messiah King Jesus. We are links in the same chain. We are called to be disciples of Jesus. We must all be a SAMUEL—one who (shama) ‘hears God.’ If are few visions and the Word of God seems rare in our world, If more and more people do “what is right in their own eyes,” if our eyes grow dim and the lamp burns low—remember, the words of God’s prophets. Judgement Days are upon us. Fear not! Judgment is also salvation.

When Jesus warned Jerusalem of its impending doom, He made an offer of peace. If we repent and turn to the Lord, then whatever befalls our world, the shalom peace of Messiah Jesus will abide in us. Leave hatred and violence to others, carry the mercy love of Jesus to friend and foe alike. Do not be seduced by self-righteousness, doing what looks right in your own eyes. Instead, Love the Lord and serve Him, Love and forgive your neighbor. We are not the first to face hard days. The Lord is faithful. All will be well.

4 Epiphany

Deuteronomy 18:15-20       1 Corinthians 8:1-13      Mark 1:21-28