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He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might
be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have
authority to drive out demons. Mark 3:14–15
The Twelve Apostles were first called by Jesus and then sent to
preach with authority. The authority they were given was for the
purpose of driving out demons. But how did they do that? It’s
interesting to note that the authority they were given over demons
was, in part, associated with their commission to preach. And
though there are some recorded instances in the Scriptures of the
Apostles driving out demons directly by command, it should also be
understood that the preaching of the Gospel with the authority of
Christ has a direct effect of driving out demons.
Demons are fallen angels. But even in their fallen state, they
retain the natural powers they have, such as the power of influence
and suggestion. They seek to communicate with us to deceive us and
draw us away from Christ. The good angels, of course, also exercise
this same natural power for our good. Our guardian angels, for
example, constantly seek to communicate to us the truths of God and
His grace. The angelic battle for good and evil is real, and as
Christians we must be aware of this reality. One of the greatest
ways to confront satan and his demons is to listen to the Truth and
to proclaim it with the authority of Christ. Though the Apostles
were given a special authority for their preaching, every
Christian, by virtue of their Baptism and Confirmation, is
entrusted with the message of the Gospel to proclaim in various
ways. And with that authority, we must constantly strive to bring
forth the Kingdom of God. Doing so will have a direct impact on the
diminishment of the kingdom of satan.
Reflect, today, upon your duty to share the Gospel with others.
Sometimes this is done by an explicit sharing of the message of
Jesus Christ, and at other times the message is shared more by our
actions and virtue. But every Christian is entrusted with this
mission and must learn to fulfill that mission with true authority,
knowing that as that authority from Christ is exercised, the
Kingdom of God increases and the activity of the evil one is
overcome.
My all-powerful Lord, I thank You for the grace You have given
me to proclaim the truth of Your saving message to those whom I
encounter every day. Help me to fulfill my mission to preach in
both word and deed and to do so with the gentle yet powerful
authority given me by You. I offer myself to Your service, dear
Lord. Do with me as You will. Jesus, I trust in You.
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Featured image above: Calling of the First Apostles By
Domenico Ghirlandaio, via Wikimedia Commons
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