Gospel: Mark 1:21-28
Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers,
and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught.
The people were astonished at his teaching,
for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.
In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit;
he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?
Have you come to destroy us?
I know who you are–the Holy One of God!”
Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!”
The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.
All were amazed and asked one another,
“What is this?
A new teaching with authority.
He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.”
His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for Fr Frank and his loved ones.
Reflection:
A new teaching with authority. This was the people’s impression when they witnessed how Jesus taught and healed a possessed man. It was so unlike the scribes. Throughout His public ministry, Jesus has shown His power as God. Through teaching, He has enlightened the minds of the people to the truth. Through healing, He has made broken humanity whole. Unfortunately, His authority was questioned by the learned. But for the childlike, His authority was Good News. Jesus offers us His teaching and healing. We have a choice: accept or deny these. At times, we tend to cherry pick which of His teaching suits us and discard what inconveniences us. As we welcome the New Year, let us be childlike so that we would totally accept Jesus.
- Which of Jesus’ teaching suits you? Which make you uneasy?
- How do you deal with Jesus’ teaching that does not suit you?
- How can you “teach” with authority?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Grant us the humility to accept You without any strings attached so that everyone would witness Your power. Amen.
