September 2, 2025 // Tuesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Luke 4:31-37

Reflect on the Word // 

“You’re not the boss of me!” I hear these words yelled in frustration by a five-year-old at his older brother and sister. Even young children have an innate sense of proper authority, of who is and is not in charge. 

I, too, want to know who has the authority to govern. Whether in the workplace, the political sphere, or the Church, I seek assurance that those in charge can be trusted.

Today’s Gospel highlights this same instinct: “[A]nd they were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with authority” (Luke 4:32). Why does the way Jesus exercises authority astonish his listeners? Surely other Rabbis spoke with confidence and were well prepared, knowing their audience. What made His authority different?

Jesus not only speaks the Word of God, He is the Word of God made flesh (see John 1:14). He says and does everything in union with the Father (see John 14:10). As the Son, He demonstrates the loving union of Three Persons within the One God of the universe, Who made all things. Jesus, the Son, reveals the merciful Heart of the Father.

When demons interrupt Jesus’ teaching, He delivers the person suffering from possession. The swiftness with which the demons obey is so impressive that the witnesses ask, "What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out" (Luke 4:36). Jesus simply orders the demons to come out and they do. Astonishing!

Because He is God’s Word made flesh, when Jesus speaks, what He says happens. His authority astonishes me. At various moments throughout the day I hear Him speak to me in my heart. Listen to Me. Trust Me. Follow Me. When He invites me to choose Him, it is with the same authority of the Lord Who calms seas, heals lepers, and casts out demons. I can freely listen, trust, and follow, confident that He will complete the good work He has begun in me (see Philippians 1:6). 

Relate to the Lord // How have you been astonished by Jesus?