Jan 11: A New Teaching -- With Authority!

Limbourg Brothers (Herman, Jean, Pol): The Exorcism in the Synagogue, Les Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry
Musée Condé, Château de Chantilly, 1412-16

Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel: Mk 1:21-28

“What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him (NRSV, Mk 1:27b).”


Father, how wonderful that you speak your one eternal Word to all of us in every time and place, inviting us to share and grow in your life, and empowering us to lead lives worthy of the gift. But how difficult it is for us to understand what you speak in your Word and to live the love that you bestow on us in your Spirit. How our minds are clouded and our wills weakened by the evil all around us, the sin of the world. We are grateful for the prophets, those sensitive ones among us, who enlighten and challenge us. And for the holy ones who inspire us. But most of all we are grateful to the Word as he is made flesh, your only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is, in himself and for us, the way and the truth and the life.

Jesus is the long expected One but he comes in a way that is least expected. He comes, Lord, to rule over us but his rule is not one of dominion but of service. He comes not to be served but to serve and to give his life for the many. He comes exercising great authority and power. His authority, however, is not to bear down upon his subjects but rather his authority is to teach, to announce the good news of your kingdom, Father, a kingdom of eternal life open to everyone. And the power which Jesus exercises is over evil, to drive it out wherever it seeks to ensnare us. Jesus’ power, Lord, is to heal and make whole, a power which he awakens in all who believe in him.

Father, may the Lord Jesus, your Son, continue to arouse in us a greater understanding of who you are and the life that you share with us. May he never cease to challenge us to lead lives that are more loving, lives of service dedicated to all of our sisters and brothers. Lord, may we accept a greater share in Jesus’ authority, that we too may effectively announce the coming of your kingdom with our lives, and in his power, that we may not only be healed but also mediate healing and wholeness to others.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.