Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
In the summer of 1926, Antoni Gaudí took his daily walk to the Sant Felip Neri Church for his habitual daily mass and confession. While walking along the Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, he was struck by a passing tram and lost consciousness. People just assumed he was a beggar, so Gaudi did not receive immediate aid. Eventually, passers-by transported him in a taxi to the Santa Creu Hospital. But as he was still a presumed beggar, he only received rudimentary care. As Gaudi did not receive proper treatment, his condition deteriorated quickly, and he died on June 10, 1926, at age 73. Gaudi died as a "beggar," but after his death, his works enjoyed global popularity and continuing admiration from many people. His masterpiece, Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, is the most visited monument in Spain and attracts millions of visitors each year. In 2023, the Basilica welcomed 4,707,367 visitors.
There is a time for everything, including the time for fame and glory. In the Gospel reading today, Jesus silences the demons, especially when the demons want to reveal Jesus' identity. Indeed, the demons have the correct knowledge about Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus commands the demons to be silent because the recognition comes at an inappropriate time. Proper recognition comes with the cross and resurrection. Jesus' identity, however, is not only to be revealed at the cross and resurrection, but more importantly, is what comes after his death and resurrection, that is, the gift of the Holy Spirit. So, the glory of Jesus as the Son of God will come at the appropriate time when the Holy Spirit comes.