THE FIRST MARTYRS OF HOLY ROMAN CHURCH (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

Go then! 

The people were in awe: this man, Jesus, had authority over demons! The two men had been possessed, maybe for a long time, but with just a few words, Jesus set them free.

This same man—Jesus, our Messiah—has authority over the parts of our lives that, like those demons, are opposed to the Lord and afraid of his power. Jesus has authority over Satan and his lies and deceptions. He has the power to come and drive out whatever is enticing us to sin. He even has authority over patterns of sinful behavior that we have fought for years to overcome but thought we could never be rid of. Jesus sees it all, and he wants to come to our aid.

How do we enlist Jesus’ help? By calling on his name. The name of Jesus is a powerful weapon because when we say it, we are invoking his authority over sin and evil. It’s the same authority that he used to drive out the demons in the two men in today’s Gospel (Matthew 8:28-34). And because you were joined to Jesus in Baptism, you have this authority as well. When you pray in the name of Jesus, you are praying with him.

So remember to call on the name of Jesus in the midst of temptation, like when you’re fighting the urge to reach for another dessert or when you want to pick a fight with your spouse. Invoke his name when you have doubts about your self-worth and think that God couldn’t possibly love you. Cry out to him when you feel guilty for a sin you’ve already confessed or feel like you are drowning in worry. In those moments, pray, “In the name of Jesus, I renounce this anxiety . . . or evil thought . . . or sinful urge. Jesus, help me!”

You might find immediate relief. But even if you don’t, keep praying in Jesus’ name. Believe that he has the power to drive out Satan and every sin and temptation in your life. Jesus doesn’t want anything to hinder your ability to love him and other people. Just as he freed the two men coming from the tombs in the Gadarenes, he wants to free you.

“Jesus, I call on your name. Come and set me free!”

Genesis 21:5, 8-20
Psalm 34:7-8, 10-13
Matthew 8:28-34

WORD AMONG US