JESUS, OUR TEACHER
Blessed Sunday! The Word of God today emphasizes that Jesus is our Teacher; that he speaks with power & authority.
In our 1st Reading in Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Moses tells the Israelites that God will raise up another prophet like himself, to speak in His Name & to teach & give instruction on His commands. Thus, from Moses & Aaron came a whole long line of prophets like Samuel, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel & more, right up to the very last one – John the Baptist. And then, God sent His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus, ‘the Word that was with God and the Word Who Is God from the beginning’ (cf John 1:1-2). The prophets of old who taught our ancestors of faith were just voices for God; but Jesus is the Son of God & the eternal & living Word. Our Teacher is God Himself!
We encounter Jesus in our Gospel today in Mark 1:21-28 teaching in the synagogue. Mark wonderfully describes His teaching as something that made a deep impression on the people because he spoke with authority (cf Mark 1:22). He even has power to cast out an unclean spirit, as we read in the Gospel (cf Mark 1:26-27). What a wonderful description. When I read it, I think of the Creation Narrative in Genesis 1, & what God spoke: ‘Then God said, '“Let there be light”; and there was light.’ God, in the power of His spoken Word, brought forth light. Indeed, the Word of God, Jesus Christ Himself, has power to create, heal & restore. Truly, Jesus Our Teacher Speaks & Acts with Power & Authority!
So, what’s our response to the Lord today when we hear His Word? Do we hold His Word & teaching with reverence & awe? Do we allow His teaching to shape, mold & direct our lives & “let it be done to us according to His Word” (cf Luke 1:38)? Or do we just gloss it over, just ‘do our Sunday obligation’ & remain un-moved & un-changed?
The psalmist urges us all in the response of today’s Responsorial Psalm: “O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts.” (Psalm 95:9) As we begin the new week, may our ears & hearts be open to Jesus’ teaching.
Article by Damian Boon, HFC Blog Team Lead