Out They Came

Jesus 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. Luke 4:31-37

Yesterday we lived through a spectacle of biblical proportions. I have no idea what will happen today about our supreme court, but I do know that I saw a gentle woman telling her truth and powerful men loosing it big time. Anger is not the sign of demon possession, but it struck me over and over, why were they so angry? Justice and deliberations are often time consuming efforts. As I prayed last night I asked why so much anger?, and here is our passage for today. "Let us alone!" When we can't or won't be bothered for the sake of others, I have to wonder what is behind all of this. Yet, as what we can do we do - pray. " Lord, keep this nation under your care; and guide us in the way of justice and peace."

Jesus begins his ministry by healing a troubled man who screamed at him while he was teaching. His response to people in pain or trouble is to heal them. He models for us a ministry of compassion and deep understanding. Hearing the tirades of broken hurting people is where we have been called. We are also invited by God to move and pray for justice and peace, despite all of the anger and tumult that can surround us. We follow Jesus, and some days, that can be very challenging.

Today I ask God to help me be an instrument of peace, healing and reconciliation. May we live each day, deep in prayer and ready to bring a word of love and grace to our very broken world.