Fourth Sunday of the Year (Year B)

Fourth Sunday of the Year January 28, 2024

Deuteronomy 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 7:32-35; Mark 1:21-28

(Image Courtesy: Google)

There is an old story about some telephone linemen who were busy putting up telephone poles through a farmer’s fields. The farmer ordered them off his land, whereupon they showed him a paper giving them the right to plant poles wherever they pleased. Not long afterward, a big and vicious bull charged the linemen. The old farmer sat on a nearby fence and yelled: ‘Show him your papers, show him your papers!'”

To many Christians, Jesus’ authority is only a paper authority. His word is something we study for inspiration, but we really don’t believe that what Jesus teaches applies to our situation.

The philosopher Karl Marx once said that the aim of philosophy should be not just to explain the world but to change it.

The same can be said about the gospel we preach and teach. The people of Capernaum received sacred instruction in their synagogue every Sabbath. One Sabbath they had a different teacher, Jesus. What Jesus taught them that day, as well as the way he presented and demonstrated his message, simply amazed them. Why?

 “They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Mark 1:22). Jesus’ teaching contrasted sharply with that of the scribes. In one word, Jesus taught with authority, the scribes did not. What does it mean to teach with authority? When we compare and contrast the teaching of Jesus with that of the scribes we notice three distinguishing qualities: The teaching of Jesus is (a) from the heart and not just from the head, (b) focuses on the spirit and not on the letter of the law, and (c) inspires a positive change of heart in the hearers.

In the first reading, Moses speaks to the Israelites about the coming of a prophet like himself, whom they must listen to. This prophet, as we know, is none other than Jesus Christ. The authority of God's Word is central to our faith. In a world filled with conflicting voices, God's Word remains a guiding light. As disciples of Christ, we are called to heed His teachings, finding solace and direction in the scriptures.

On this Sabbath day Jesus was probably invited by the local rabbi to address the people who had come to pray in the Synagogue. In the synagogue, anyone could be invited to come forward and preach. Perhaps Jesus already had a name as a speaker. In any case, as soon as he opened his mouth the people felt immediately that here was someone who was different.  Unlike the Scribes and the Pharisees he did not quote others to prove his words.  He laid down the law in his teaching based on his own authority.  The teachings of Jesus were manifested in his actions.  . He rebuked the evil spirit sharply just as he did at the calming of the stormy sea and now in the Synagogue the demon came out of the person with a loud cry.  Jesus demanded silence from the demon and this way Mark deepens the mystery about Jesus which will be gradually revealed.

Summarizing today's Scripture Readings, in Jesus, we have seen the fulfilment of God's promise to send a prophet like Moses. Through St. Paul who was inspired by the Holy Spirit, tells us that God wants us to be free of anxieties in our calling, especially those who are married. Through Jesus, we have heard of his authority that reaches far beyond miraculous manifestations in this world. We are all amazed at God’s love for us and he invites us to respond to his generous love. His preaching is a personal testimony of his intimate relationship with God his Father. In his teaching Jesus was able to discover the positive value that the law seeks to protect whereas the scribes busied themselves with words and their minute applications of the law.  For instance Jesus teaches that the Sabbath is a day we keep away from our work in order to serve God and do God’s work.

In the Gospel, we witness Jesus teaching in the synagogue with a unique authority that astonishes the people. Unlike the scribes, Jesus speaks with a divine authority that commands even the unclean spirits. The people recognize this authority and are amazed. As followers of Christ, we are called to acknowledge and submit to the authority of Jesus in our lives. His teachings are not mere words but transformative truths that have the power to free us from the bondage of sin. Let us invite Jesus to reign in our hearts, allowing His authority to guide our choices and actions.

Jesus’ “authority” inspires rather than enforces, lifts up rather than controls; he sees his call to “lead” as a trust, as a responsibility to serve others by revealing the God who calls us to compassion and mercy for the sake of his kingdom of peace, instead of a God of judgment and vengeance. Authority comes not from power to enforce but from the ability to inspire.

In a world yearning for authenticity, our commitment to living out the Gospel message becomes a source of hope and inspiration. Let us consider how our lives reflect the transformative power of Jesus' teachings. May our actions be a living testimony to the authority and truth that emanate from Christ, drawing others into the light of his love.

Let us embrace the authority of God's Word, respond to His call with gratitude and praise, acknowledge the authority of Jesus in our lives, and commit ourselves to a life of holiness. May the Holy Spirit empower us to live as faithful disciples, following the path that leads us closer to God. Let us go forth with renewed zeal, knowing that in embracing God's call, we discover the true purpose and fulfillment of our lives.

Happy Sunday