January 21.  Young people tend to like to debate such questions as, “Who and what are unclean spirits and why did the unclean spirits know who Jesus was when it seems that the ordinary people didn’t?” There is debate about Jesus and his exorcism ministry and there are different views too by biblical scholars themselves.  For us today we can also see “unclean spirits,” or evil in our lives and relationships in different ways. Whether it is directly the devil or from within our own selfish natures we are all prone to sin.  Is corruption, theft, fraud, gender-based violence, violence between young people in schools, not also an evil presence within us.  Prison ministry is a special way to invite conversion of sinners or criminals.  

Jesus withdrew to the sea and a great multitude followed because he had healed many so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him. And whenever the unclean spirits saw him they fell down before him and cried out “You are the Son of God.”   Mark 3:7-12.  

 Pope Francis: We are free to apply our intelligence towards things evolving positively or towards adding new ills, new causes of suffering and real setbacks. This is what makes for the excitement and drama of human history in which freedom, growth, salvation and love can blossom or lead towards decadence and mutual destruction.  LS 79. Reflect and share.