September 3, 2024, Tuesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time-B ST. GREGORY THE GREAT, POPE, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

1 Corinthians 2:10-16

Psalm 145

Luke 4:31-37

“For with power and authority he commands the unclean spirits… ” Lk. 4:36

Lord, we watch scary movies about evil spirits possessing people and the efforts at exorcism to remove them.  What we view as fictional entertainment is a reality for some.  The exorcism you performed in the synagogue showed the people your power over evil spirits.  As you toured the countryside you expelled many demons one by one.  When you were crucified on the cross you achieved victory over all of Satan’s forces for all time.  Lord, there are so many demons and evil in the world today.  You also have the power to remove darkness and evil from me too.  My attraction to sin and cooperation with evil are serious obstacles to my path to your kingdom.  Only you can command them to flee but I must agree to let them go.  Lord, I give up the demons in my life. I want to live in the freedom of your Spirit.  Show me the unclean spirits within me and apply your powerful grace to wash me clean.  I believe you can do it with only a word.  Please hear my prayer today for myself and those around me.  St. Gregory, pray for us.  Amen