Who will understand him that teaches as one that hath power?

The Gospel tells of teaching with power, at which all present were amazed. In the synagogue of Capernaum, Jesus proved his teaching by his deed when he freed a man from an unclean spirit. The main point of the Gospel passage is the concept of power. Jesus’ power was demonstrated in word and deed. The focus is not on the possessed but on Jesus, to whom the possessor himself points: ‘I know who you are: The Holy One of God” (Lk 4:34). The Holy One of God is a prophet in the Old Testament, later associated with the figure of the awaited Messiah. This event does not reveal the mystery of Jesus but speaks of the nearness of something expected but unsuspected in its reality. In the case of Jesus, word and deed form a unity.

Paul, the apostle, later writes of this to the Corinthians, “My speech and my preaching consisted not in persuasive and wise words, but in demonstrations of the Spirit and power, so that your faith may not be based on human wisdom but the power of God” (1 Cor. 2:4-5). And to the Thessalonians, Paul says of the teaching of the Lord Jesus: “For our gospel has not come to you in word only, but also in power and the Holy Spirit and all fullness” (1 Thess. 1:5). Therefore, it is not only what Jesus taught and did that matters, but who He is.

If our word is so weak, where does our life, the whole human race, indeed all of life, get its strength and permanence from? There must be a mighty word, the word of God, by which all things were made and governs all things. God reveals Himself to His people as the Mighty One in the world, as the Mighty One in history. But the most significant manifestation of his power is his love. In love, the power of God’s word is manifested. Such was also one of the first experiences of his disciples in the Gospel. The word of Jesus has power over nature, sickness, unclean spirits, sin, and death. Therefore, they all wondered, “What is this word, that by mighty power…” (Lk 4:36).

Paul Miki is only 33 years old. He is a student preparing for the priesthood. However, he celebrates his first Mass not at the altar but in “longing” on the cross. He serves it his native land. He was crucified because he spread the teachings of Jesus Christ. He died in the years when the Savior died on the cross.

They were dying because they were supposedly guilty of treason. On February 5, 1597, on a hill near Nagasaki, 17 young men died, including three twelve-year-old boys, minstrels Francis, Tonko, and Matthias. What did they do? They believed the words of the Lord Jesus. He taught them to love everyone without distinction. Friends and enemies.
On the cross, Paul prayed, “I thank the Lord that I am on the cross. I forgive Caesar and his counselors. I bequeath to you, my dear fellow citizens: There is no other way to heaven to salvation than the way of Christians. I wish all to come to know the life of Jesus Christ…”

Although the spear of the executioners interrupted the sermon on the cross, a few faith writings remain. And how did the little ones behave? They ask, “Where is my cross? Which is my cross?”

The symbol of Christianity is the cross: shoulder-high – up towards God, shoulder wide – towards our fellow man. On the cross was nailed the strongest love – the Savior.

The power from the teachings of Jesus Christ brought Paul Miki and companions to witness the faith of many who saw them die, who, even centuries later, by their moving example, embarked on the journey of faith. We are therefore offered the opportunity to help the Holy Father build peace in human hearts and the world through youth. Please try, all of you, to the best of your abilities and capacities. Parents model and set an example in fulfilling your daily, mundane responsibilities. By reading and reflecting on the Holy Scriptures together. You, boys and girls, by taking a greater interest in the spiritual life, in the needs and interests of the Church. All of us by a more conscientious performance of our Christian duties, by a more earnest and deeper living of the teachings of Jesus Christ. We will each fulfill the Year of Faith as we can receive the powerful learning that can transform our lives as well. The Lord Jesus often ends with the instruction, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Mt. 11:15).

Let us pray, brothers and sisters, that today’s Word of God may penetrate our hearts and enkindle what was cold, bring light where it was already dark, strengthen where despair was growing, and so we too may become witnesses of teaching that has power.