First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11
Concerning times and seasons, brothers and sisters, you have no need for anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night. When people are saying, “Peace and security,” then sudden disaster comes upon them, like labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, for that day to overtake you like a thief. For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober. For God did not destine us for wrath, but to gain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live together with him. Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as you do.
Reflection: Paul reminds the Thessalonians that the Lord’s return is unpredictable, urging them to live as children of light, alert and sober. Unlike those lulled by false security, believers are destined for salvation through Christ’s sacrifice. This call to vigilance encourages mutual support, fostering hope in eternal life with Jesus, who died for us, ensuring that whether awake or asleep, we remain united with Him, ready for His coming.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
Reflection: This psalm expresses trust in God as light and salvation, dispelling fear. The psalmist seeks to dwell in God’s presence, gazing on His loveliness, confident in seeing His goodness. This hope encourages steadfast courage, urging believers to wait for the Lord with strength, anticipating His faithful promises in this life and beyond.
Alleluia: Luke 7:16
Reflection: This acclamation heralds Jesus as a great prophet, signaling God’s visitation. It prepares us for the Gospel, where Jesus’ authority over evil reveals His divine power, inviting the faithful to recognize His presence among them, bringing salvation and hope through His mighty works and teachings.
Gospel: Luke 4:31-37
Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee. He taught them on the sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out in a loud voice, “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!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Be quiet! Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down in front of them and came out of him without doing him any harm. They were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” And his fame spread everywhere in the surrounding region.
Reflection: In Capernaum, Jesus teaches with authority, astonishing the crowd, and demonstrates divine power by casting out a demon. The unclean spirit recognizes Him as the Holy One of God, yet Jesus silences and expels it, leaving the man unharmed. His fame spreads, revealing His identity as God’s anointed, bringing salvation through His authoritative word and deeds.
