Gospel Reflection–Fr Simon Apablaza–Action Not Just Words (Fr Simon says that the reason Jesus taught them with authority is that his words are not only the expression of thoughts, but the expression of his own life. We can ask, how is it that the devil was quite OK with the teaching of the scribes and the Pharisees, and as soon as Jesus began to speak, the devil cried out? It is because the unclean spirit can find a place in a religion when this religion is only focused on external things, when the external dominate over our actual love for God, then the devil is quite at peace. Jesus’ words not only transmit thoughts, but actually transmit love, and that is why as soon as Jesus began to speak, the devil cried out. This love that Jesus is speaking of is real. Love cannot be just words, or nice thoughts, or feelings only, love requires action. Action towards God firstly, and our neighbour second. Christ is a threat because he is the revelation of a God who loves us and calls us to love as well. May we be courageous to answer his call to love and may we love our neighbours as Jesus loves us)
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