In today's gospel We encounter a Father who has a sick child and he is seeking help. He brings him to the the disciples and nothing happens. The man is a bit distraught and yet he seeks continually to bring about the healing he so longs for his child. He finally discovers that healing in Christ.
I would like to point out the words used to describe what the evil spirit does to the son and what Christ does as a way of detailing a means to discern the spirit of God in our life as opposed to the spirit of evil.
The father describes what the evil spirit does as follows:
It seizes him: in greek the word means to take hold of with destruction in mind, seeking to destroy.
It throws him: in greek the word means to tear apart, rend asunder, break as if throwing upon the rocks; to do violence to one's self, to one's person.
It leaves him rigid: in greek the words means to wither and dry up; to no longer be fruitful or of benefit to others; to be closed in on it self.
The gospel writer then describes what Jesus does when he encounters the boy:
He took him: in greek the verb means to hold carefully and tend to faithfully, suggesting great concern and gentleness.
He raised him: in greek the word used means to construct, to build up, to cause to be born, to bring forth a life.
the boy stood up: in greek the word used to describe the boy standing is a word that is used to describe a king rising from his throne; he suggest a sense of majesty, a sense of purpose, a sense of renewed vigor with the ability to be of benefit to others.
The gospel writer deliberately makes the contrast between the evil spirit and Jesus to guide us on our own journey that we might recognize what is the Spirit of God and the evil Spirit by the action sent forth.
We must choose each day to let one of the Spirits guide our thoughts and mind and actions; may we seek to be one who attends to all carefully, build up, enable those we encounter to stand upright with majestic dignity.
Ma we follow the one who has faith, the faithful witness himself, Christ, as we interact with many people today, friends, loved ones, strangers, co-workers, bosses and all. May they experience the power of the Spirit of Christ through you and thus may the spirit of evil be exorcised.
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