Today’s Gospel presented to us Jesus, who was preaching at Sabbath in the Synagogue of Capernaum. The people have witnessed how the demon recognized Jesus’ identity saying, “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.” But Jesus rebuked it saying, “Be quiet! Come out of him!” The crowd saw the power of his healing word reinforced the authority of his teaching. And with this, all were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.”

More often, darkness, demons, evil are hidden in various forms, presented glittering or at times associated in unexplainable events or phenomenon, of drastic circumstances, of pains and sufferings, to deceive the world and to frighten all of us.

May today’s Gospel of St. Mark remind us of the victory of Jesus over the power of evil, Satan, demon, and over sin and death.  “If it is through the finger of God that I cast out devils, then know that the kingdom of God has overtaken you!” ( Lukes 11:20 ).

May this trying time lead us back to God with faith founded in his infinite love, overflowing mercy and compassion.  It may help us rediscover our true identity. That amidst trials and tribulations we are experiencing as one family, wrapped in fears, anxieties, illnesses, divisions, loss of directions, and hopelessness may it be replaced by a life centered in Jesus Christ. With profound believe in his Words and teachings, and with unwavering trust in his healing power.