27th Week in Ord. Time, Friday – 08th October 2021 — Gospel: Lk 11,15-26
Signs of the Finger of God
The narrative focuses on the Lord’s power, which springs from the Spirit (4,14) in whose fullness Jesus overcomes the forces of evil. When He cast out a demon from the mute man, some accused him of using the power of the devil; others demanded another sign. But Jesus expressed that he did through the finger of God (Mt 12,28 has ‘Spirit of God’). After the plague of gnats, Pharaoh’s magicians recognized the “finger of God” in the miracles of Aaron (Ex 8,19). In both “finger of God” meant signs of God’s power working to free his people from bondage to evil. Just as pharaoh’s heart was hardened, so also were the hearts of those around Jesus. Thus, these saving works demand a response from each of us. What Moses began, Jesus has come to complete. Jesus’ actions cast him in the role of God’s agent, announcing the in-breaking of the reign of God. If they were to open their eyes and their hearts to Jesus’ doings, they would realize that the kingdom of God has come in their midst. Even though the Jews didn’t accept him, Jesus did establish God’s kingdom on earth through his miracles, his teachings, his death, and resurrection. We need to acknowledge the presence of the kingdom in this world, through our lives while we await the fullness of this kingdom when Jesus comes again.
