Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” (Gospel for Jan. 28, Mk 1:25-27)
The unclean spirit immediately recognizes Jesus as the Christ and is aware of his power. As St. James tells us, “You believe that God is one. You do well. Even the demons believe that and tremble” (Jas 2:19). We must not take for granted who Jesus is, his presence in our midst and the power he has to help us. Let us always recognize that Jesus is actively working in our lives and seek him daily in our prayer.
This month, I challenge you to attend Mass and receive holy Communion more often than just on Sunday — daily if possible — to grow in awareness of Jesus’ presence and power in the Eucharist.
Do you take the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist for granted? Does the way you dress for Mass reflect that Jesus is present? Do you remain conscious throughout each day of Jesus’ activity in your life and turn to him frequently in prayer?