Mark 1:21-28

Deuteronomy 18:15-20

Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9

1 Corinthians 7:32-35

Mark 1:21-28

Then they came to Capernaum,

and on the sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and taught.

The people were astonished at his teaching,

for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.

In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit;

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!"

Jesus rebuked him and said,

"Quiet! Come out of him!"

The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.

All were amazed and asked one another,

"What is this?

A new teaching with authority.

He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him."

His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

Opening Prayer: Lord, today I hear the ancient promise you made that one day you world raise up a prophet like Moses. Moses faithfully led the people of Israel out of Egypt and through the desert. Jesus is the prophet who is far greater than Moses. He is your Son who leads me from the slavery of sin to the newness of life in the Spirit.

Encountering the Word of God

1. Deuteronomy and the Promise of a Prophet like Moses: The Book of Deuteronomy is Moses’ last will and testament. It begins with the history of the dealings between God and his people and stresses how God has been a faithful Father while Israel has been a rebellious child. It outlines the commandments Israel is to follow and lists blessings for fidelity and curses for infidelity. Moses promises that one day God will raise up from the people a prophet like himself. The Book of Deuteronomy ends by saying that the promise of a prophet like Moses has not yet been fulfilled (Deuteronomy 34:10). This means that conquering and taking possession of the Promised Land did not bring about the salvation of the people of Israel. When Deuteronomy was composed, Israel was still waiting for real liberation. A new and greater exodus was needed and this would be led by a new Moses. As a prophet, Moses worked mighty deeds but, more importantly, spoke with God face to face as a friend (Exodus 33:11). A prophet is one who shows us the face of God and in doing so shows us the path we need to take. The promise of a prophet like Moses is ultimately fulfilled by Jesus who reveals to us the face of God and shows us the path that leads to the Promised Land of heaven.

2. Jesus’ Teaching Authority: The people in the synagogue of Capernaum were astonished at Jesus’ teaching. While the scribes were good at debating detailed opinions about the Law of Moses and quoting older rabbinic teachings, Jesus did something completely new. He taught with his own personal authority as the Prophet like Moses and as the Son of God. In his teaching, Jesus continually referred to the heart and essence of divine law. The first commandment is to love God and the second is to love our neighbor. We are called to love as God loves. This means that our love should be patient, kind, merciful, generous, and sacrificial.

3. Jesus’ Mighty Deeds Reveal Who He Is: In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus reveals who he is and what his destiny is through his actions and words. His mighty deeds reveal that he possesses divine power and authority. He has power over disease, death, demons, and nature. Who can walk on the sea? Who can calm the wind? Who can instantaneously heal the sick and give sight to the blind? Who can silence demons and cast them out? Who can raise the dead? Only God has the power to do these things. When we hear the question in the Gospel: “What is this?,” we are invited to make an act of faith that Jesus is the Son of God sent by the Father to conquer sin and death, to heal and restore us, and to teach and guide us along the path to eternal life.

Conversing with Christ: I sing joyfully to you, Lord Jesus. You are the rock of my salvation. I come into your presence with thanksgiving and joyfully sing psalms to you. I bow down in worship and kneel before you. You created me and shepherd me. Soften my heart to listen to your words today. May your Word find good soil that bears fruit for eternal life.

Resolution: St. Paul wishes that the Corinthians be free of anxieties. He speaks openly of the anxieties of married life and concern for the things of the world. We hear an echo of the voice of Jesus who says to Martha: “Martha, Martha, you are worried about many things. But only one thing is necessary.” Jesus asks Martha to look at Mary, who is listening to the Lord. This is the better part. Today, let us listen at the feet of Jesus so that as we go about our day in the world we are not anxious about the things of this world, but are concerned with the things of the Lord, with love, mercy, charity, peace, and justice.