August 31, 2021

Lk 4: 31-37

He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the sabbath. They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Let us alone! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” 

But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm. They were all amazed and kept saying to one another, “What kind of utterance is this? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and out they come!” And a report about him began to reach every place in the region.

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

I have everything to do with you

“What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?” Put yourself in the scene for a moment, and imagine you’re sitting in that synagogue. You can almost hear it, can’t you? The sneer in this question, the contempt. “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? I know who you are!” 

But what if you took that same question and put it on your own lips? What if you took a moment today and, with all reverence and genuine curiosity, asked Jesus, “What have you to do with me, Jesus?” It’s a bold question, and an immeasurably important one. And we know, of course, that Jesus has already answered it. 

Take a moment today, look at a crucifix, and ask Jesus this question. Then pause and listen for that gentle, precious answer: “What have I to do with you, my beloved daughter, my beloved son? Absolutely everything.”

 —Fr. Adam Rosinski, SJ, is the Assistant Director and Promoter of Vocations for the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus.

Prayer

Behold God beholding you...and smiling.

—Anthony de Mello, SJ