Holy Martyrs Probus, Tarachus and Andronicus (284-305); Our Venerable Father Cosmas of Jerusalem, Bishop of Maium and Composer of Canons (760); Our Holy Father Martin the Compassionate, Bishop of Tours (397)
Read
1 Corinthians 15:39-45; Luke 4:31-36
“What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.”
Each of us has troubles. It is part of the human condition. It is likely that we are not demon-possessed like the man in the Gospel; but demon-possession could easily be called the greatest of troubles whether you believe in demons or not. (To be sure, we, as Christians, believe in demons.) The point is we all tend to look first elsewhere for a quick cure to our troubles. We hear about strange and esoteric diets that will cure cancer in an instant, rings under noses to cast out demons (an actual practice at the time of our Lord), plant a financial seed with a ministry and watch all our financial troubles melt away within days or weeks, and on and on. We learn regrettably that these things which we chase are for the most part fraudulent, they lack any power. We need to turn to those who have authority in these matters. The teachings that the Lord gave and the healings He performed astonished the people, and they recognized His authority. And it is simply by a word that He casts out a demon.
When we find ourselves troubled by the events of life, do we turn first to the Lord? Do we listen to His Word (the Scriptures and His teachings found in Tradition)? When we are deathly ill, do we turn to Him in Holy Anointing (at the same time seeking proper medical care and advice)? It is by His word that He brings peace into our lives!