Every human voice makes a different sound, and we often recognize one another by the sound of the voice that we hear, especially on the telephone when we cannot see the person in the flesh. Our voice comes from deep within us and its best is expressive of our inner self.
In the synagogue at Capernaum Jesus begins to speak. He makes His voice heard for the first time as a preacher and teacher and healer. The listening people quickly recognize that this voice is something new. This voice and the man it belongs to are something entirely new. They are deeply impressed. There is a man in the synagogue who is very disturbed and who begins to shout and disrupt proceedings. He recognizes that Jesus is a powerful man, who is able to deal with troubled mind. Jesus by the power of His word, His voice, quietens the demon of torment and brings the grace of calmness and peace to that person. In a world of so many voices raised and often shouting, in a world where human suffering and torment are rampant, here is something new and with authority behind it.
The question put to Jesus by the tormented man, is a question for us today. In our tormented world it is easy for us to hide away in our own little lives, save perhaps from the dramas all around us. His voice is powerful today to enliven our lives, to change our settled ways and to heal our hurting hearts… The tormented man’s cry truly was a cry for help and healing. Cry out today, therefore, and ask the Lord for that same healing power in your life.