Gospel Reading: Mk 1:21-28
Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.
Reflection
CALLED TO SERVE WITH HIM
The Word of God this Sunday focuses on the quality of fidelity or faithfulness that a servant of the Lord should possess.
Moses consoles his fellow Israelites by announcing to them that God will raise up for them another prophet like him (Moses) who will be imbued with the same quality of faithfulness and steadfastness that he possesses. This man of God will be a genuine prophet, speaking only what the Lord will tell him to proclaim and not preaching on his own behalf.
Paul argues why the Corinthians who are not married should remain as they are: because the time is short and so that they can render undivided devotion to the Lord. For Paul says a married man will be necessarily caught up with the affairs of his household, whereas an unmarried one can focus all his energies on the things of God.
In the Gospel, after he has called the first of his disciples, Jesus begins his ministry in word and in deed. People in the synagogue are amazed at the way he teaches. They are astounded that Jesus drives out an unclean spirit from a possessed man. They have not seen anything like this before; they have not met anyone like this man, Jesus. Jesus is totally absorbed in the mission the Father has entrusted to him, and he will remain faithful to the end.
Some of us live like driftwoods in the ocean: without direction or sense of why we are here in this world, allowing the waves and the currents to bring us, instead of taking control. And so we end up being dependent upon others, letting others shape our lives. Instead, when we find time to reflect and realize what gifts we have been endowed with, we get a sense of our “mission” in this world. With this knowledge, we can focus our energies and resources in fulfilling that mission. May we allow nothing to distract us from pursuing that for which God has created us.
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