Tuesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
There’s been a lot of talk recently about the abuse of power – primarily in politics and, sadly, in the Church. Today’s gospel reading (Luke 4:31-37) presents Jesus as having authority and power over an “unclean spirit” to the amazement of the people who witnessed it. Although news of his power and authority spread “everywhere in the surrounding region,” Jesus remained humble; he never abused his power. I wonder how he felt about having that power. Did it surprise him? Scare him? Was he tempted by it? Did he feel the weight of responsibility that comes with such power?
I usually don’t think of myself as holding a position of power, but what about my role of authority as a parent or counselor? In moments when I’m not relying on God, I can feel overwhelmed with the responsibilities entrusted to me. Maybe you can relate as a teacher, doctor, supervisor, or minister. Or perhaps as a nurse, advisor, police officer, chaplain, or caregiver.
In Paul’s first Letter to the Corinthians (2:10b-16), we are reminded that as “spiritual persons” we have been given knowledge of what pertains to God; we have been given a new way of seeing things; we have the opportunity to share in “the mind of Christ.” Jesus was able to discern and “call out” unclean spirits. If we have the mind of Christ, what do we do with that “power” to judge, to discern what is right and what is evil? Do I have the courage to speak out against acts of injustice, especially on behalf of the most vulnerable? Do I have the humility to recognize my own abuse of power?
Today’s Psalm (145) provides us with the characteristics of our “just” God: gracious and merciful, slow to anger, great in kindness, compassionate and faithful. As a follower of Christ, how do I embody these same characteristics, especially in my relationships of authority over others?
With the mind of Christ, let us discern how we are being called to exercise our power over those who have been entrusted to our care. May we always use our authority justly and with humility, so that with the Lord we will lift up “all who are falling”, and raise up “all who are bowed down” (Psalm 145:14).
~Eileen Miller