In our first reading, we witness the deep Anguish of Hannah. She is barren, mocked by her rival, and deeply misunderstood—even the priest E...
In our first reading, we witness the deep Anguish of Hannah. She is barren, mocked by her rival, and deeply misunderstood—even the priest Eli thinks she is drunk when she is actually praying in desperation. Hannah represents everyone who carries a silent, heavy cross. Her anguish drives her to the temple, to the feet of God. She pours out her soul. If you are suffering today, let Hannah be your model. Do not let anguish drive you away from God; let it drive you to Him. He collects every tear.
In the Gospel, the scene shifts to the synagogue where Jesus teaches with Authority. The people were used to scribes who quoted other experts—"Rabbi Hillel says this, Rabbi Shammai says that." But Jesus spoke from Himself, as the Author of the Law. This authority wasn't just intellectual; it was spiritual. He commanded the unclean spirit, "Quiet! Come out of him!" and it obeyed. We need to remember that the Jesus we follow has supreme authority over everything that frightens us—over evil, over sickness, and over death.
The reaction of the people was Amazement. "What is this? A new teaching with authority." They were shaken out of their routine religion. Sometimes, our faith can become stale. We go through the motions. We need to recover our sense of amazement at who Jesus is. He is not just a historical figure; He is the living Power of God. When we truly encounter Him, we cannot remain bored; we are filled with awe.
Challenge: Read a chapter of the Gospel today with fresh eyes. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the authority of Jesus to you in a way that sparks amazement in your heart.
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