Daily Gospel Reflection for August 30, 2016

Today's Gospel: Luke 4, 31-37

I’ve been working on going to Confession at least once a month. Sometimes, I try to go once a week. This has led me to explore different examination of consciences. Some of them are really tough, more than just a cursory reading of the Ten Commandments. They really cause me to think about my bad habits and how I treat others.

I recently listened to an exorcist tell of his experience with those who are possessed. He said that sometimes a sin from the past that has been unconfessed manifests itself later in life as demonic possession. He also said that those possessed by demons may not exhibit possession until they are in the presence of something holy.

In this Gospel passage, obviously the demon manifests itself in the presence of Jesus, the “Holy One of God”. While I don’t feel like I am possessed by demons, I wonder what sins in my past I could uncover in the presence of our Lord at Adoration. And then I could take advantage of the graces I could receive by going to the Sacrament of Reconciliation soon afterwards.

Is it possible that those past sins have become bad habits that keep me from being a better wife, better mother, better friend and most of all a better disciple of Jesus. Could I be healed by being in the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and the presence of Jesus in the priest in the Sacrament of Reconciliation? What do I unconsciously keep buried away from Jesus because He is “the Holy One of God” and I’m afraid like the demons: “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazereth?”, of how he will change me?

Ponder:

What bad habit or sin do I keep repeating that I need to expose to the Holy One of God so that by His authority He can heal me?

Pray:

Jesus is the Holy One of God who has the authority to bring those bad habits and sins out of me. Give me the strength to expose those bad habits and sins to Him by meditating in front of the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar and going to Confession more frequently.

Copyright 2016 Adele Kootz

Adele Kootz is a Catholic wife and mother of 2 middle school boys here on earth and 2 precious children in heaven. When she is not carpooling, running errands, helping with homework, or working part time as a physical therapist, she enjoys walking the family's 110 pound dog, Tucker, learning about Jesus and her Catholic faith and passionately sharing it with anyone who is willing to listen.