Tuesday 5 September 2023

Today is Tuesday 5 September, in the 22nd week of Ordinary time.


David Gungor with the Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Have Mercy On Me’.



The goodness of the Lord is the kindness of the Lord
With ev'ry breath we take, the gift of life and grace
The power of the Lord is the meekness of the Lord
Who bore humanity with brave humility
Let Your mercy flow through us
Your mercy, Your mercy
Let Your mercy flow through us
Your mercy, Your mercy
The beauty of the Lord is the suff'ring of the Lord
Is Christ upon a tree, stripped of dignity
The glory of the Lord is the mercy of the Lord
Gives life for us to see a new humanity
Let Your mercy flow through us
Your mercy, Your mercy
Let Your mercy flow through us
Your mercy, Your mercy
When they see us, may they see
Your mercy, Your mercy
When they know us, may they know
Your mercy, Your mercy
When they see us, may they see
Your mercy, Your mercy
When they know us, may they know
Your mercy, Your mercy
Let Your mercy flow through us
Your mercy, Your mercy
Let Your mercy flow through us
Your mercy, Your mercy
Bless the hands and feet
Of those who serve in need
Of the broken and ashamed
Bless the weary soul
The Lord will make us whole
God, speak peace to those afraid
May the words we speak
Build a bridge for peace
Your loving kindness shows the way
Open up our doors
Giving refuge for
All the weary and afraid…
Let Your mercy flow through us
Your mercy, Your mercy
Let Your mercy flow through us
Your mercy, Your mercy
Let Your mercy flow through us
Your mercy, Your mercy

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.


Luke 4:31-37

He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the sabbath. They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Let us alone! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm. They were all amazed and kept saying to one another, ‘What kind of utterance is this? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and out they come!’ And a report about him began to reach every place in the region.

For some elements of scripture, it can be helpful to try to experience the scene as if you were an observer. This short passage holds so much that using the imagination can reveal something ‘more’, leading you deeper into prayer and revelation.

Consider the scene. The synagogue in Capernaum is not the Temple; it is a familiar place filled with familiar faces. Feel yourself surrounded by the crowd, now hanging on his every word.


But here also is the possessed man. Ignored and dismissed by the community not just today but every day. Imagine the pain in his eyes, chained to the unclean spirit that torments him.


And then, Jesus commands the unclean spirit to leave the man. See the transformation and the sense of liberation. Imagine the sense of relief and peace that floods his being. See the amazement and disbelief flow throughout the crowd.


Contemplate this healing power of Jesus, who, with a word, can free us, forgive us, and restore us to wholeness.

As you listen to the passage again, consider where this may speak to you in your own life.


Where might you need Jesus' healing touch? Invite Jesus into those places, asking him to exert his authority over them and bring you freedom and peace. Trust in him, seek his healing, and be open to the wonder of his love.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.