Who Is This Man

Homily for Tuesday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

St. Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians is unique in that it is the first letter that St. Paul wrote that we include in the Christian Scriptures. Because it was written early on in St. Paul’s ministry, it is evident throughout the entire letter that St. Paul is expecting the return of Jesus within his lifetime. By comparison, St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians has tempered St. Paul’s expectations to the point that he realizes that he will probably not see the return of Jesus in his lifetime.

Apparently, this was not only an issue for St. Paul, but it was also on the minds of the Thessalonians. Like many people after them, they ask questions regarding when Jesus will return. So, the very first verses that we read today speak of the times and seasons of the Lord’s coming. Immediately afterwards, St. Paul uses the metaphor of the thief in the middle of the night to describe the Lord’s return. He also uses the metaphor of the woman in labor to describe the Lord’s return. He will return to this particular metaphor in other letters as well.

This provides St. Paul with a platform on which to exhort the Thessalonians to remain alert and awake and sober; he refers to them as children of the light. Afterwards, he calms their anxieties by assuring them that as children of the light they will not experience the wrath of God.

The Gospel text for today provides with something of a contrast. While the Thessalonians have placed their faith in Jesus, the people of Capernaum do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. So, it is something of a concern when an unclean demon who has taken possession of a man claims to know who Jesus is. It is really quite extraordinary that while none of the Jewish people recognize who Jesus is, the demons and evil spirits are fully aware of who Jesus is. Even when they hear the demons telling Jesus that they know who he is and actually name him as the Holy One of God, they are still in the dark as to the identity of Jesus.

These two readings, therefore, provide us with a contrasting reaction to Jesus. We encounter the believers and faithful people of Thessalonica as well as the people of Capernaum who are slow to identify Jesus as the Messiah. That contrast still exists today as there are many who have not accepted Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God while there are also many who have placed their faith in him.

As we gather around the Eucharistic table once again, it is an opportunity for us to remember that Jesus will come again when he is not expected. Consequently, it is important for us to remain alert, and to identify him as our Lord and Master.