Wednesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

In the coming days, the first reading will be taken from the letter to the Colossians. Attributed to Paul and written around 61 AD, the Colossians seem to have accepted the faith rather quickly and even received Paul’s praise for their steadfastness. In spite of their strong faith, however, a heretical teaching seems to have crept into the community – that somehow faith in Christ’s death and resurrection was not enough for salvation. In this letter Paul emphasizes the true faith – that God is Father; that Jesus is the perfect image of the Father, and that God has raised him from the dead for our salvation. (This letter is only three chapters. If you get the chance, try to read it together). The true faith, as we know it now, is not just about dogmas and doctrines. Our faith revolves around persons. We know God as Loving Father, Jesus as Son of God and the Holy Spirit (also referred to as a person) as the love between the Father and the Son. In fact, in today’s gospel reading, even the demons acknowledged the fact. They said, “You are the Son of God” (Luke 4:41). In yesterday’s gospel reading, the demon has acknowledged, “I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”

At Baptism and Confirmation, we acknowledged God as Father and Jesus as the Lord. For prayer today, I suggest that we merely sit in the Lord's presence and in the depths of our being, acknowledge Jesus as our Lord. Many times, just acknowledge repeatedly, "Jesus, You are the Son of God.” Do so with love for Jesus.

The meaning of the name Jesus is, "God saves." Yes, our salvation lies in the name of Jesus.

- Fr. Satish Joseph