I've got the power
- Gary Fritsch
- Sep 24
- 2 min read
I probably enjoy Jim Carey movies too much, but in the classic Bruce Almighty, newscaster Bruce Nolan literally receives the Power of God for a period of time, and when he first realizes what has happened, he walks through the city testing the limits of his newfound power to the pop dance sensation song 'I've Got the Power' from Snap. (take a moment to let the song ring through your head).
In today's Gospel, God gives his power to the Apostles for them to begin to plant seeds for the Kingdom. One of the things that just grabbed me when I read this today is the type of power that Jesus gave to them: "power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases." So not only did Jesus possess this power for Himself, but had the power to be able to share it. Wow. This really made me realize how misguided we often are.
In our society, off and on, we have operated under a philosophy, or even a theology of dualism. We often fall into the thinking that good and evil, God and the Devil are opposite, equal forces. This is simply NOT TRUE. Jesus has complete power and authority over demons and can even share that power and authority with others. We already know how the story ends - God wins. He is the creator and has power and authority over all things. Now it is fair to observe that we don't know all of the details of how it will all play out, but we do know the outcome.
This should give us confidence in our battle against the demons in our own lives. While we might not receive the same authority given to the Apostles (unless you're a Bishop or Priest), we do receive His power and authority as we receive Him in The Eucharist. Jesus, within us, has all power and authority over demons. In this year of Eucharistic Revival, I encourage everyone to consider praying a prayer popularized by Ignatius of Loyola called the Anima Christi following reception of the Eucharist:
Soul of Christ, sanctify me
Body of Christ, save me
Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from the side of Christ, wash me
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O good Jesus, hear me
Within Thy wounds hide me
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee
From the malignant enemy defend me
In the hour of my death call me
And bid me come unto Thee
That with Thy Saints I may praise Thee
Forever and ever.
Amen.
This prayer reminds of many of the gifts that Jesus shares with us, and the power that He has to protect, defend and save us. With Christ within us, we can say confidently: 'I've Got the Power' because we have Him.
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