Catechesis Notes for the Week — The Power of the Finished Work of Christ — The power of Jesus’ finished work is on display this week in the readings from Matthew. This power to save, heal, deliver from death, and cleanse from sin is delivered to us by Jesus’ Word. Faith receives the Word of Christ and trusts in its power to save. In Jesus Heals a Centurion’s Servant, we see faith in Christ’s Word as the centurion comes to Jesus on behalf of his servant. He confesses his unworthiness and declares, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” In Jesus Heals Peter’s Mother-in-law, we see the power of Jesus’ touch to restore health and “with a word” to cast out evil spirits and healed all who were sick. In Jesus Stills the Storm, He rebuked the wind and the wave, showing His power over divine judgement. When the Two Demon-Possessed Men Are Healed, we see how the demons know who Jesus is as the Son of God but are afraid of Him and His Word. This same reaction was seen in the people from the city of the Gergesenes who begged Him to depart from them. Without repentant faith in Christ, the unbeliever is afraid of Jesus and the power of His Word to save. In Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralytic, we see that He has given the authority of His Word to forgive sins to the Church who, by her called ministers, forgives sin in Jesus’ stead and by His command. Each Christian also has the divine mandate to forgive others according to the station and calling God has given to them. “That you my know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins…He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house” … and when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men.” Finally, the call of Jesus’ Word to faith and into the Office of the Ministry is seen in Matthew, the Tax Collector. “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Ultimately, the power of Jesus’ word rests upon His finished work of salvation for us and for the whole world in His death and resurrection. If Jesus had not atoned for sin and defeated death upon the cross, He would not have risen from the dead nor would His Word have had any power to save. This power and authority of Jesus’ Word emanates from His saving work upon the cross and reaches forward and backward in time to save.CP230618