Our Authority In Christ

Reflection on Today's Readings, Wednesday of 14th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1, 2021
Texts: Gen. 41:55-57; 42:5-7a. 17-24a; Ps. 33:2-3.10-11.18-19; Mtt. 10:1:7
We are reminded today that we have authority over the unclean spirits and diseases. This authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal the sick is given to us by Jesus Christ; it is part of our inheritance in Jesus Christ. This shows how powerful we are in Christ. The gospel reading shows that the authority is given for the mission, for salvation of souls. Hence, it is said, " _Jesus called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity. ... These Twelve Jesus sent out, charging them, 'Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And preach as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”_ The authority is for service, the service to others.  Let us put the authority into use by praying for those who are under the control of the evil spirits to be set free and the sick that may they receive healing. Let us pray for one another.
However, we must not forget that the authority is meant to confirm the message of salvation. We need to preach the message of salvation to the sick and set free those who are possessed by evil spirits, that they may live the message. Authority to heal and cast out evil spirits is useless without the message of salvation. Let us teach the message of salvation that we may share from the authority to heal and cast out evil spirits.
Jesus Christ also reminds us that charity begins at home. He asked the apostles to go to the lost ones of the house of Israel. Let us work to make our families domestic churches. We are to build our house first.
The first reading reminds us that the authority given to us is not only about spiritual matters but also about things in the world. We also have the authority to order material things for the glory of God; we are to maintain economic justice and social justice as we live in the world. We need to contribute to preservation of life on earth. Joseph applied the wisdom given to him by God to manage the resources of his generation to preserve their life. Whatever God has given us we are to use it so well for preservation of life. We are not to be wasteful or destructive. We should use the resources of the earth reasonably. Eat reasonably and drink reasonably. Our authority over the earth is not to destroy it but to care for it.
The authority we have in Christ is not meant to seek revenge; it is meant for the salvation of souls. The revenge belongs to God. The first reading shows that the sinners are punished by their conscience. The reading shows that the brothers of Joseph had been carrying guilt of their sin against Joseph for such a long time. Sinners are never free; they are filled with guilt which is always energy-draining. Guilt weakens man spiritually and bodily. Joseph was free but they were not free. This reminds us that evil does not pay; it puts man in bondage. This shows that our enemies need prayer. We are to pray for them to be set free from their bondage; they are to be set free from the power of evil ones.

Lord our God, we pray you to heal the sick and set free those who are under the control of evil spirits, that they may believe and live the message of salvation. Amen.

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke