Jesus starts his public ministry by reaching out to people and teaching them. They are impressed, to say the least, “The people are astonished at Jesus’ teaching, for he teaches them as one having authority and not as their rulers.” Jesus also begins reaching out to people and healing them. In one encounter a man possessed by an unclean spirit accosts him. In response, Jesus says, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.” Again, “the people are amazed and ask one another, “What is this? A new witness of authority.”
Jesus’ new witness of authority is needed in our own time; not just with one man possessed by a demonic unclean spirit, but an entire people. The entire people possessed live in the United States. They are white supremacist evangelicals. They are specifically white evangelicals who support the current president. They are possessed by a demonic spirit. To be demonic simply means to be an adversary. These evangelicals are adversaries to Christ. They are adversaries to Jesus Christ’s authority for communion, love, and creative healing power. When these adversaries accost us, can we deal with them as did the man they say they worship, Jesus? Can we reach out to them, and, from the authority of conscience “Quiet” the demonic spirit of white evangelical nationalists? When these adversaries tell us to choose between helping citizens or immigrants ask them, “When will you quiet the demon kingdom of rulers within you that divides and embrace Christ’s Kingdom of God that unifies? (Mt 13:31-32; 33. Lk17:20-21) When these adversaries accuse gays, lesbians, and transgendered persons with destroying our families, nation, and culture ask them, “When will you quiet the suffering you inflict and witness Jesus’ love of enemies? When these adversaries proclaim the justness of war with North Korea, Iran, Yemen, … ask them, “When will you quiet your violence and practice Jesus’ witness of being a healing power in this world?”
Acting from this authority has its own power to send those possessed into demonic convulsions. So be it. It will also possibly quiet them into thoughtful reflection and potential freedom from their demonic spirit.
Prayer: Spirit of Quiet, be with us among adversaries.
Question: What is the question asked of me that would send me into convulsions?
January 28, 2018 Gospel Mark 1:21-28 Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time