Teaching With Authority

We begin Ordinary Time with an extraordinary tale of Jesus as he began his public ministry.  He taught in the synagogue in Capernaum on the Sabbath and astonished the people with his teaching, "for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes." (Mk 1: 21).  He even drove an unclean spirit out of a man in the presence of all.  "All were amazed" as this time  he acted "with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him." (Mk 1: 27)  Because of this authority, his fame spread throughout Galilee.  A good beginning but one which eventually led to a clash with another authority, that of the Scribes and Pharisees. 
His boldness in speaking and acting the way he did came from an understanding and appreciation of his identity as God's Son and the embracing of his mission to speak in God's behalf, not simply as an ambassador, but as God himself.  He raised the bar high for us, his followers, and there have been myriads who have striven to carry on his mission by daring to speak with his authority.  The Church's mission, guaranteed by the presence of the Holy Spirit, continues to preach with authority, not always popular, but faithful to the truth, 2000 years after Jesus.  May we stand firm in our convictions, our actions and words to continue this witness to the Authority of God.
Bro. Rene