4th Sunday of the Year 2021 January 31, 2021
The Word Source: Mark 1.21-28
The Cure of a Man Possessed by an Evil Spirit
21 Then they came to Capernaum, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught.
22 The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.
23 In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit;
24* 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 Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!”
26 The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. and with a loud cry came out of him.
27 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.”
28 His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.
A REFLECTION
This Sunday’s gospel continues the beginning of Jesus public life –
Jesus is baptized at the river Jordan – three weeks ago; Jesus meets two disciples at the Jordan – two weeks ago; Jesus calls Peter and Andrew and James and John to follow him – last week. Today – Jesus, with his disciples, exhibits his power as a teacher and his power over evil spirits.
How blessed we are that people remember the stories and wrote them down and so, have invited us to be present.
Presence and healing will be our prayer today –
MY PRAYER
As always, take time to recall God’s presence in your life and at this moment. – Look at the picture, or close your eyes and ask for the grace to be present with the apostles and to be healed –Yes – to be healed – not just to be present – of the evil within me –
Holy One of God – drive out the evil within me – anger, resentment, jealousy, vengeance, laziness of spirit and body, total self -absorption –
Holy One of God – give to me a new spirit – give to me a spirit of love and service for my family and those who share my life –and others – especially those neglected and those in need –
Jesus, Holy One of God – be with me always
