The common theme of today’s readings is divine authority—reflected by the Prophets of the Old Testament and their messages, by the Apostles, including St. Paul, in the New Testament in their writings and teaching, and by Jesus in His teaching and healing ministry. Today’s First Reading tells us that a true prophet speaks with authority because it is God who speaks through him. After the Babylonian exile, the Jewish priests began to interpret the words of Moses given in the first reading, namely, “a prophet like me”, as referring to one individual, the expected Messiah. This passage is chosen for today’s first reading because it refers to Jesus, the “preacher with authority”, mentioned in today’s Gospel. In this Gospel, Mark describes one sample Sabbath day of Jesus’ public life. He joined in public worship in the synagogue as a practicing Jew, he healed the sick, he drove out evil spirits and he prayed privately. People immediately noticed that Jesus spoke with authority and healed with divine power. Jesus explained the Scriptures with complete confidence, and, when questioned by people, He answered with authority. He used his real, or authentic authority, to teach, empower, liberate, and heal others. The evil spirit mentioned in today’s gospel recognized Jesus as the Messiah and acknowledged him as such. Jesus commanded the evil spirit harshly, using strong words and tone: “Be quiet! Come out of him!” This was another reason why Jesus developed a reputation for speaking with authority.
Jesus did not use his authority and divine power to rule and control people. He came to set people free…that’s us! Therefore, let us approach Jesus with trusting faith so that he may free us from the evil spirits that keep us from praying and prevent us from loving and sharing our blessings with others. Jesus also frees us from all the “evil spirits” of fear, jealousy, envy, addictions, compulsions, selfishness, anger, resentment, and hostility. May he free us from all those spirits which make us deaf, dumb, blind, lame and paralyzed…physically and spiritually.
He said it…and I believe it,