SOCL, 4B24
- Admin
- Jan 26, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 27, 2024
Sunday January 28, 2024
What is this? A new teaching— and with authority!
See
How often do we meet people whose words and deeds match? Sometimes at least, but it may be rare enough. In the old expression, when all is said and done, more is said than done. Jesus is a teacher with authority — not the authority of position or force but power from within. This is suggested by the Greek word for authority exousia, from within (my) being. Even today, there are religious leaders who speak from within, whose word is genuine, whose deeds match what they say. These are the one we listen to; these are the ones we would love to be like.
Listen
Psalm 95, If Today You Hear His Voice, Harden Not Your Hearts
Reflect
(Mark 1:21-28)
-In the first chapter, Mark familiarises his readers with the type of things Jesus did to proclaim the kingdom, the Reign of God. Our passage today touches on two of these, the first being that ‘he taught as one having authority’. It makes a difference when you listen to someone who is clearly speaking from experience and personal knowledge. Remember people who impressed you in this way.
-Jesus’ combined teaching with healing, and he drove the evil spirit out of the man. The power of God that worked this wonder through Jesus is also at work in and through us today. When have you been freed from some bad habit?
-The evil spirit convulsed the man before it left him. The path to liberation can be a painful struggle. If you have found it so, who was the Jesus person that helped you through the struggle to freedom?
-It is not only individuals but groups that can be struggling with an evil spirit – jealousy, rivalry, malicious gossiping, abuse of power, etc. Sometimes a Jesus person comes into the group and drives out that evil spirit. Have you experienced this? Perhaps you yourself have been this person on some occasion?
Pray
Faithful God, your Holy One, Jesus of Nazareth, spoke the truth with authority, and you confirmed his teaching by wonderful deeds. Through his healing presence, drive far from us all that is unholy, so that by word and deed we may proclaim him Messiah and Lord and bear witness to your power to heal and save. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Act
--Integrity in Action: Strive to match your words with actions consistently, building trust in relationships.
-Cultivate Inner Authority: Develop authenticity by aligning actions with personal values, fostering genuine strength.
--Listen to Genuine Voices: Surround yourself with those whose words and deeds align, seeking inspiration from authentic leaders.
References
-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024l, January 28). Fourth Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012824.cfm
-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/
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