MARK, 1: 21-28

They came to Capernaum. When the Sabbath arrived, he entered the synagogue and began to teach. They were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Now there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What do we have to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God.” Jesus then rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him.” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him.

They were all amazed, so that they questioned themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” And immediately his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding regions of Galilee.

Understanding the Message of the Gospel

At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus astonishes those who listen to him. In Mark 1: 21-28, we are presented with a teacher who not only communicates the message of God but does so with an authority that leaves the crowd in awe. Just as in Matthew 2:47, the listeners recognize that his teaching is different, backed by the manifestation of his power over evil spirits. Thus, Jesus not only preaches but embodies the presence of the Kingdom of God among his people.

The Church Fathers offer valuable reflections on this passage. St. Jerome emphasizes that, although Mark does not follow a chronological order, his narrative reveals profound mysteries. Referring to Capernaum as a “place of rest and a farm of comfort,” he invites us to see the importance of this location in salvation. The man possessed by an unclean spirit symbolizes the impurity that has reigned in humanity from Adam to Moses.

St. Bede observes that, despite the violent reaction of the man upon being liberated, this does not weaken him, which contrasts with the typical reactions during an exorcism. The demons, questioning Jesus, are silenced by his authority. St. John Chrysostom, for his part, focuses on how Jesus frees human hearts from impurity, allowing divine thoughts to flourish that lead us away from sin.

Reflecting on the Message in Our Lives

When considering the message of Mark in the current context, I ask myself: what evils would Jesus find today? What spiritual, social, familial, ecological, and psychological challenges threaten us? Where would he direct his steps to announce the Good News and liberate humanity from sin and the evil one? From war conflicts in various regions of the world to diseases affecting millions, the influence of evil manifests in multiple ways.

Individualism has transformed our society into isolated cells, where personal well-being prevails over the common good. As an educator, I have observed how education has been affected by this mentality, making it difficult to foster learning and the development of values in young people. Drug addiction and substance abuse have increased, and casual sex has become normalized, blurring the values of chastity and family. Furthermore, the arms trade perpetuates wars and suffering, while economic interests seem to take precedence over peace.

Jesus as the Answer to Current Evils

Just as in the past, Jesus continues to be the answer to the influence of evil in our society. There is an urgent need for re-evangelizing, especially in continents like Europe and Asia, where Christianity still flourishes. With His love and grace, Jesus can cast out the malignant influence, and by liberating us from this slavery, we can regain the sense of love, brotherhood, and solidarity.

: A Testimony of Faith and Perseverance

In the 1980th, I had the fortune of meeting Father Segundo Llorente Villa, S.J., who dedicated forty years to evangelizing the Eskimos. His work, though seemingly obscure, was deeply appreciated by those he served. When I asked him about his mission, he replied, “I spent forty years teaching the sign of the cross to the Eskimos.” His dedication and love for his mission laid the groundwork for the integration of the Eskimos into American society. His life is a testament to how faith and perseverance can transform lives and communities.

To achieve this goal, we must prepare ourselves psychologically and spiritually. Transformation begins at home, the domestic church, and extends to the parish community and eventually to society. Here are some practical actions we can consider:

1. Dedicate Time to Deepen Our Faith: Engage in study and reflection on our beliefs, understanding the teachings of the Church and the message of the Gospel.

2. Pray for Understanding  Seek to comprehend and interpret the signs of the times through prayer, asking for guidance and wisdom in our daily lives.

3. Seek God’s Will: Actively look for God’s purpose in our lives and within our communities, aligning our actions with His divine plan.

4. Get Involved in Parish Activities: participating in initiatives that allow us to be agents of change, fostering a spirit of service and community engagement.

5. Bring Our Faith into Civil Society: Engage in civic activities that promote the common good, advocating for justice, peace, and the dignity of all people.

6. Start Each Day Anew: Remember that our testimony of life is key to bringing the healing action of Jesus into the world. Each day is an opportunity to renew our commitment to live out our faith authentically.

Invitation to Reflection and Participation

I invite you to think about these questions:

– What does the authority of Jesus mean to you in your life?

– How can you allow His power to act in your daily struggles?

Please share your thoughts in the comments, and feel free to share this article with those who need a message of hope and liberation. Together, we can foster a space for dialogue and spiritual growth.

Additionally, if this article has inspired you, consider sharing it on your social media using the hashtag #AuthorityOfJesus. This way, we can create an online community where we can share experiences and reflections on how to live our faith in today’s world.

Sources of the article

Fuentes del Artículo:

– Catena Aurea, Comentarios al Evangelio, San Marcos, Santo Tomás de Aquino, Ivory Falls Books, 2016

– Biblia de Jerusalén, Editorial Desclée, 1992

– Comentario Al Evangelio de Marcos, Juan Mateos, S.J. Centro de Reflexión Teológica, 1990

– Haces de Luz en mi Senda, MHPVM, #150

– La Noticia de Jesús según San Marcos, Luis Mosconi, Ediciones Dabar, 1993

The Authority of Jesus: Impact on Modern Life