First reading Hebrews 2:5-12
The one who sanctifies and the ones who are sanctified are of the same stock
God did not appoint angels to be rulers of the world to come, and that world is what we are talking about. Somewhere there is a passage that shows us this. It runs: What is man that you should spare a thought for him, the son of man that you should care for him? For a short while you made him lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and splendour. You have put him in command of everything. Well then, if he has put him in command of everything, he has left nothing which is not under his command. At present, it is true, we are not able to see that everything has been put under his command, but we do see in Jesus one who was for a short while made lower than the angels and is now crowned with glory and splendour because he submitted to death; by God’s grace he had to experience death for all mankind.
As it was his purpose to bring a great many of his sons into glory, it was appropriate that God, for whom everything exists and through whom everything exists, should make perfect, through suffering, the leader who would take them to their salvation. For the one who sanctifies, and the ones who are sanctified, are of the same stock; that is why he openly calls them brothers in the text: I shall announce your name to my brothers, praise you in full assembly.
Responsorial Psalm 8:2,5-9
You gave your Son power over the works of your hand.
How great is your name, O Lord our God,
through all the earth!
What is man that you should keep him in mind,
mortal man that you care for him?
You gave your Son power over the works of your hand.
Yet you have made him little less than a god;
with glory and honour you crowned him,
gave him power over the works of your hand,
put all things under his feet.
You gave your Son power over the works of your hand.
All of them, sheep and cattle,
yes, even the savage beasts,
birds of the air, and fish
that make their way through the waters.
You gave your Son power over the works of your hand.
Gospel Mark 1:21-28
Unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority
Jesus and his disciples went as far as Capernaum, and as soon as the sabbath came he went to the synagogue and began to teach. And his teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority.
In their synagogue just then there was a man possessed by an unclean spirit and it shouted, ‘What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus said sharply, ‘Be quiet! Come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and with a loud cry went out of him. The people were so astonished that they started asking each other what it all meant. ‘Here is a teaching that is new’ they said ‘and with authority behind it: he gives orders even to unclean spirits and they obey him.’ And his reputation rapidly spread everywhere, through all the surrounding Galilean countryside.
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Authority
We often view authority as a means to gain personal benefits and exert control over others. This is evident in various contexts, such as in families, workplaces, governments, and even religious institutions, where individuals in positions of authority may misuse their power for selfish purposes. In today’s gospel, Jesus healed a man with an uncleaned spirit. The people who witnessed what He did were amazed and said, “Here is a teaching that is new, and with authority behind it…”. Jesus, as the beloved Son of God, had authority but used it to serve and help others rather than for His own benefit.
Each of us holds some form of authority, whether at work, home, in our parish or within our faith community. We are called to use our authority not in the way the world does but like how He did. Our authority should be a reflection of our ability to love, show mercy, be patient and extend forgiveness. May the authority behind our words and actions mirror that of Jesus.
Reflective question:
How can I exercise my authority in daily life?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
