Above: Christ the Healer, in St. George's Cathedral, Southwark, London, UK. Photo by Father Lawrence Lew, O.P.
Twice in the Gospel reading of today’s Mass (Luke 4:31-37) the crowds following Jesus comment on His manner of speaking. Jesus speaks “with authority.” And the people in the synagogue on that Sabbath witness the results of His words. A man who had been possessed by a demon is delivered from bondage at the command of Jesus. He speaks with authority and power and the unclean spirit leaves the man without harming him. Astonishment and amazement is the response of those who witness this incredible event.
Other parts of the Gospels reveal the “secret” source of Jesus’ authority and power. He is always with His Father. His desire is always to do the will of His Father. And so it is with the Father’s authority that Jesus speaks because it to the Father’s voice that He listens, it is with the Father’s Heart that He acts.
St. Dominic spoke with a similar authority to the small band of preachers who had been drawn to him. Their lessons in discipleship had only just begun when Dominic sent them out to the four corners of the world to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. “Hoarded grain rots,” was his response to the protests at this too hasty scattering of grain. Like his Master, Dominic spoke with authority because his speech was to God or about God.
Today we might look at the “authority” with which we speak. Where does it come from? What are the results of our words? How can we live each moment more closely united to Christ so that the source of our thoughts, our words, our actions is the same One as His?
St. Dominic, Trumpet of the Gospel, pray for us!
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