Gospel of the day: Mark 1:21-28 (January 31, 2021)

 

Gospel of the day: Mark 1:21-28

January 31, 2021

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark

Jesus Casts Out an Evil Spirit

Jesus and his companions went to the town of Capernaum, and every Sabbath day he went into the synagogue and taught the people. They were amazed at his teaching, for he taught as one who had real authority--quite unlike the teachers of religious law. A man possessed by an evil spirit was in the synagogue, and he began shouting, "Why are you bothering us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One sent from God! Jesus cut him short. "Be silent! Come out of the man." At that, the evil spirit screamed and threw the man into a convulsion, but then he left him. Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. "What sort of new teaching is this?" they asked excitedly. "It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!" The news of what he had done spread quickly through that entire area of Galilee.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Reflection

Today, the gospel talks about power and authority. Jesus went to the town of Capernaum and there was a man who was possessed by an evil spirit. He commanded it to leave the body of the man and the people were amazed that even the evil spirit obey Jesus. 

The message of the gospel shows us a person who spoke with courage and wisdom. Jesus, having the power, comes close to each one of us. Driving out the evil spirits, Jesus shows that there is no room for oppressive evils because we have our God and Jesus let us be connected with Him. We should follow what Jesus did. We should always speak with courage and wisdom and exercise the authority we have. We should be compassionate, loving, fearless in any challenges we encounter. Never use the authority to degrade people, instead, use the power to serve and influence others to always do the right thing. 

Let us ask ourselves: In what way do I exercise my power and authority? Am I using this to expelled evil spirits?