Having Authority – Mark 1:21-28 Reflection
Jesus’s responses to situations have countlessly let us bring them to the front of our thoughts when something bothers us. We can rely on Jesus having authority to calm us down when we are angry about a mistake or become agitated for no reason. As we grow comfortable with Jesus having authority, our frustrations can be less frequent because our faith is stronger. Jesus helps us to boldly rebuke the forces that do not want us to be calm, at peace, or to love. No doubt, we have tough times when we are alone and cannot silence negativity. You may have had times when your faith was extremely weakened. These times are when we should seek help from a pastor or someone we know has the authority of Jesus inside.
The Possessed Man in the Synagogue by James Tissot. (full-resolution image of the painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Mark 1:21-28 – Scripture*
The Man with an Unclean Spirit
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.
Additional thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this daily reading of the Gospel and considering this Lectio Divina Mark 1:21-28 Reflection – Having Authority
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the Mark 1 Bible passage.
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Mark 3 passage.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Having Authority