As we recall the life of Jesus, we know that Jesus stayed with Mary and Joseph for 30 years. Jesus had habitually entered the synagogue on the Sabbath to worship God. Then, on one special Sabbath day, the time of “favor” came. On that day, the Holy Spirit anointed Jesus and sent Him out, the Scriptures were fulfilled and Jesus prophesied in power. The religious leaders did not like it and nearly killed Him.
Since Jesus is the same today as He was then when the Scriptures were confirmed (Heb 13:8), He is still working in power today, His day, the Lord’s Day. Therefore, we should never be comfortable or complacent when walking into church. Rather, we should approach “the liturgy of the Lord” with trembling, anticipation, reverence and awe. At any moment, in any Mass, the Spirit may explode and an international, earthshaking ministry could be born (see Lk 4:18; Acts 13:2). Great healings (Acts 20:7-12) or life-changing revelations (Lk 24:30-32) might occur. Miracles will occur, as bread and wine are being transformed into the body and blood of Jesus, Who is God. The proclaimed Scriptures will be fulfilled in the lives of many today as Jesus comes alive in their hearts and sets them free (Lk 4:18).
In fact, the Eucharist is the real presence of the Lord Jesus with His physical and spiritual Body. He still reveals Himself with mercy and love toward us; He is still teaching and proclaiming the Good News; He is still performing miracles. The question for us is, “Do we truly believe in Him and let Him do ministry on us?”
My dear brothers and sisters, Sunday is the Lord’s Day, “the first of all days.” “Today is holy to the Lord.” Today, the Holy Spirit also anoints you. Expect today’s Mass to be charged with power as Jesus makes all things new. May God, through the same Holy Spirit, anoint every one of us so that we might have power and authority over devils.
With love,
Fr. Thuopng Hoai Nguyen