Mark 1:21-28
21 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 23 Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 24 and 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.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.
27 They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.
Trust Jesus
This Sunday's reading continues with Mark's Gospel. He started with the link between the Old and the New Testaments in the person of John the Baptist, preparing the way.
After His Baptism, Jesus defeats the evil spirit and moves to Galilee where He immediately starts His ministry by calling the first disciples.
Then, Jesus starts performing miracles that attest to His mighty and divine power. He shows authority upon humans and even upon evil spirits, who recognize Him and His authority.
The people are convinced of His authority, which is based upon words and accomplished by deeds. Words without deeds are like clouds without rain or the noise of a mill without flour, but Jesus, if He said, He did.
Today's Gospel invites us to reflect about Jesus' ministry, and His loving care for the suffering. His first concern is healing the soul before the body.
Jesus has power to defeat the evil spirits that torment the sick. This text talks about the evil spirit acknowledging, fearing and obeying Him. Here, Jesus' authority is shown in both word and deed. The person in need was healed.
Jesus doesn't expect any praise, but His reputation is spread all around. "At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee" v. 28.
How do we read this Gospel today? How do I read it myself today?
Trust Jesus, trust in His presence, in His love and in His authority. Where do I find such love, care and authority if not in Jesus?
Trust Jesus and tell, with the crowd who witnessed the sign,"What is this, a new teaching with authority!” v. 22.
Believe, trust and witness!
