What Is This?

 

 Mark 1: 21-28

Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit

²¹ They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. ²² The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. ²³ Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, ²⁴ “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

²⁵ “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” ²⁶ The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

²⁷ The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” ²⁸ News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

We begin Ordinary Time with Jesus preaching to and astounding his listeners because he spoke with authority and cast out an evil spirit from a man possessed.  We might say this was indeed a powerful premier performance, but it indeed set the tone for the years ahead. Jesus would continue to speak and act with the authority that was his as the Son of God.  Most would be captivated by him, yet others, particularly those in authority, would challenge, and ultimately reject him.  Where do I stand?  Do I see him and accept him as "The Holy One of God"?  We have just celebrated his birth with great to do.  Now comes the challenge, to accept and serve him as the Son of God, or to ignore or reject him as so many are doing today. 

Bro. Rene.

Lord Jesus, you healed the sick, cast out demons, and cared for the lost and hopeless. Heal us from the damage caused by our sins, and cast out all hatred, jealousy, lust, and wrath from our hearts. And when we have experienced your healing touch, make us ready to serve you joyfully and to share your peace with others. We ask this in your holy name. Amen.

  Rev. Stephen Lacroix, C.S.C.