31st January 2021, Year B Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Dt 18: 15-20 Psalm 95: 1-2. 6-9 1Cor 7:32-35 Mk 1:21b-28 We all have good experiences of our school days which we easily recall. In today’s Gospel, the people of Capernaum are privileged to meet a new teacher whose way of teaching differs from their own teachers, Jesus. They saw in him one who taught with authority. He is the one the readings were talking about; he is the sources of what they were reading. In this sense, he is the only one capable of explaining well what the readings were all about. Thus, His teaching made a deep impression on people. In Mark’s Gospel, this authoritative teaching and exorcism are the first of Jesus’ public ministry. If we look back to the context in which Mark was writing this gospel, we would realise that he was writing to the newly converted Christians who needed to know who Jesus is. So, Mark will present Jesus as a teacher but not as other teachers; the one who has authority even over unclean spirits.
We, followers of Christ, following the steps of the people of Capernaum, recognize the teaching, deeds, life, death, resurrection and perpetual presence of Jesus’ authority given to him by his Father and our Father. This recognition leads us to worship him so that free from all evil practices (pride, corruption, contraception, human mutilation, pedophilia, pornography, broken families, life without God etc.) we may lead a good and happy life. my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.”
There is no doubt that the authority of Christ is rooted in God and in the Spirit of God. Through him, the love, the liberating power and the live-giving power of God is manifested with authority in this world. It is important to note that the authority of Christ is really manifested in the service of the poor, the rejected, the little ones…
Getting some grasp of who we encounter in Jesus Christ is the work of a lifetime. Sadly, many people think they know all about him. Our reflections here do not tell us who Jesus is; they merely help us to be aware of the Holy One who encounters us in our loves, our trials, our fears, our talents, our demons, our gathering, our praying together, and our sharing in his banquet.
We, followers of Christ, following the steps of the people of Capernaum, recognize the teaching, deeds, life, death, resurrection and perpetual presence of Jesus’ authority given to him by his Father and our Father. This recognition leads us to worship him so that free from all evil practices (pride, corruption, contraception, human mutilation, pedophilia, pornography, broken families, life without God etc.) we may lead a good and happy life. Happiness is the gate way to holiness said St John Bosco to his boys. The question one can ask is what to do to have a full and happy life in Jesus Christ? The answer of this question is found in the psalm of today “O that today you would listen to his voice, harden not your hearts” as did your fathers at Meribah. So, will you open the door of your heart to Jesus?
Let us pray
Lord Jesus, in your infinite love, you came on earth to set us free from our human fallenness so that we may enjoy the presence of our Father in heaven when the fulness of time comes. Help us to hear your voice and follow you in truth, we ask this through the intercession of Saint John Bosco.
Amen!
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