The Helplessness and inability of the Unclean Spirit

Gospel Thoughts

*First Week : Tuesday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 1:21-28*

*First Reading - Heb 2:5-12*

*The Helplessness and inability of the Unclean Spirit*

*1) The Man in the Synagogue*

The scripture says that there was a man in the synagogue, with an unclean spirit

Synagogue is a Holy place, where the spiritual activities would take place and people respected the place for its connection with the divine 

The Unclean Sprit could not prevent the man from coming to this synagogue 

So we see a kind of inability of the unclean spirit in preventing the man from coming to the holy place - the synagogue.

*2) It is unable to talk*

There is a lot of difference between talking and crying aloud 

The unclean spirit is seen crying aloud and not taking 

Taking with someone shows a normal relationship, exchange of the ideas and respect for each other 

Crying aloud always in the context of fear, anxiety, helplessness, and in utter desperation

So the unclean sprit is unable to create a feeling of happiness, rather it creates a feeling of fear, anxiety and chaos. 

*3) Unable to stand before Jesus*

The moment the unclean spirit recognised the power of Jesus it could not stay in the synagogue

It sees Jesus as the destroyer of the unclean spirit *Have you come to destroy us?*

It wishes not to have any contact with the Jesus *What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?*

It recognises Jesus as the Holy one of God, but shows its inability the quit its wicked ways .

*4) Unclean spirit tries even at the Last moment to accomplish its work*

When Jesus ordered the unclean spirit to be Quiet! and  to Come out of him!” even then it tries its wicked ways to harm the person 

It convulsed the man and made a loud cry before it could go out

The convulsion and the loud cry is the final attempt in desperation to harm the person 

But once again we see the utter helplessness and the inability of the unclean spirit in doing anything. 

*5) The presence of Jesus makes a difference*

The unclean spirit appears to be silent till the entry of Jesus 

Once Jesus comes into the scene the unclean spirit becomes helpless and unable to do anything 

The presence of Jesus in this context makes a big difference and the unclean spirit is chased away from the presence of Jesus 

*6) Jesus in my Life and the Unclean Spirit*

As long as the presence of Jesus is found in my life, no unclean or evil spirit will be able to take control of my life 

So remaining in the presence of Jesus is the real weapon to fight against the unclean spirits and to live our life without fear and anxiety.

*7) Various ways through which Jesus' presence is felt in life*

Reading of the Word of God 

Prayer and meditation

Service to the needy 

Practicing the Gospel values like, forgiveness, humility, penance, generosity etc

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*