“Be Silent”

Meditation for Tuesday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

(1 Thes 5:1-6, 9-11; Lk 4:31-37)

“Be silent, and come out him!” This was the command Jesus gave to the demon in the synagogue at Capernaum. This unclean spirit was shouting through the man in a loud voice, saying, “Ah! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you, the Holy One of God.” This shouting came when Jesus was passing important message of salvation to the people, and as they began to acknowledge the authority of His message. The demonic noise tried to interrupt the sweet flowing message of life, and Jesus’ connection with the people.

People of weak faith are easily swayed by what they hear. The devil knows this. Deceit comes readily in lofty and compelling words. Noise and the destruction of silence creates emptiness, such that one finds no root within. Another trick of the devil is to turn the gospel into an argument. The demon was ready to counter Jesus to prove his point, and he was trying to drag Jesus to debate his position with him.

 

The voice of Jesus was clear and direct: “Be silent…!” This should be our affirmative response to noisy voice of temptation, and to that distractive voice that discourages us from spiritual exercises and good words. “Be silent” is the command we must give to that deceptive voice within that tries to disconnect us from the love of Jesus. Satan is always talking; either whispering or shouting. Silence disarms evil and neutralizes its power of influence.

 

After Jesus cast out the demon, the people were amazed, and report of Him went out into every place in the surrounding region.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Tuesday September 5^th, 2023.

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