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Jan. 10th - Mk. 1: 21-28

Fr. Michael MachacekNativity of Our LordJanuary 10, 2023
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today's other readings are Hebrews 2: 5-12 and Psalm 8

We have returned back to the Season of Ordinary Time, after the Seasons of Advent and Christmas.

Ordinary Time always begins with the Gospel of Mark.  Today's gospel passage gives us much to ponder.  

In this meeting in the the synagogue of Capernaum, Jesus causes a number of reactions.  First, the wonder of the people listening to Him.  Impressed by His teachings and His manner, they ask "Who is He?" This is a question that we too, as His modern day disciples, should ask on a regular basis.  Who is Jesus for you?

The second reaction comes from the unclean spirits that have possessed a man. They know who He is, and they know that their time in that man is about to end.  For real authority has shown up.  True good, true power has arrived. As Pat Marrin of NCR points out: "Something new and decisive has occurred in the order of things, and they are the first to realize that God’s Spirit is taking back the world. 

Yet it is how this is to be accomplished that makes up the rest of the Gospel story. Jesus has come to win back the hearts of sinners by love, not by possession or force.  His ministry will be one of healing and forgiveness, not threat or regimentation."

Mr. Marrin's thoughts above will continue to be illuminated in the coming weeks as we systematically read through Mark's gospel.  As we do so, we will have the opportunity to discover our own answer to the question, "Who is Jesus for me?"