Freedom by the power of Jesus

*A Reflection of the 4th Sunday In Ordinary time year B. 30th of January 2021*

Ist Reading: Deut. 18:15-20; Ps. 95; Second Reading: 1Cor 7:32-35; Gospel Mark 1:21b-28

*Theme: Freedom by the power of Jesus*

Today's reading invite us to be silent and listen to the authority that comes from Jesus. He is our teacher who speaks with authority.

In the first reading,  Moses told the people God will raise for them a new prophet. Just like the Israelites, we come to know what God want from us through the prophets.In Deuteronomy 18:19-14, coming to know God through sorcery, magic, divination were forbidden by death penalty. Hence, the prophet is first a person chosen by God to carry His plans by communicating them to the people. Moses therefore was an example of a true prophet who stand as an intermediary between God and the people, because the people couldn't stand the awesome presence of God. (Exodus 33:20).

Moses usually go to the mountain, commune with God and bring message back to the people. He only interpreted the mind of God. (Numbers 11:29). Consequently,  it means the prophets is not relating his words but God's word. In Act 2:17-18 it say; “ ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy". 

By the virtue of our Baptism, we too have been called to share in the prophetic mission. Nevertheless, let's us becareful about false prophets. Matthew 7:15-20 says, by thier fruit you shall know them.

St Paul in the second reading talks about those who are likely to be distracted from the things of God. The married would be concern with the family life, while  the unmarried with things of God. Well, unfortunately the reverse is the case in our world toda with so many umarried men and women being distracted in clubs, social medias etc.

In the Gospel, we are told those who listened to Jesus were astonished. What manner of man is Jesus? for it was on a Sabbath and the community gathered on their usual liturgy. Behold Jesus arrived just like any good and devoted jews. The community normally begins with a great Shama(listen) reminder and a profession of faith.  

The Shema expresses the essence of Judaism, that God must be loved and obeyed at all times. "Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. ... You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might".(Deut6:4-9.). 

It's likely Jesus was invited to make a commentary after the reading of the Torah (law), and He did it in such a way that the people were amazed, for there was something about this man that  is different  from the scribe and doctors of the law. They were  perplexed that he taught them with authority. Right there His authority came simultaneously with his actions. He commanded the demon in the synagogue to be silent and come out of the man. Yes, because Jesus' authority is revealed in real and concrete actions. 

Dearest in Christ, If we can't do anything about the evil power that surrounds us because of our fragility, Jesus' power will free us. Just like the demon in the synagogue that violently challenged Jesus, any demon who opposes the spirit of God in us, to hinder the work of God, or are responsible for the oppression and chains of human,  they shall become uneasy and shout Jesus of Nazareth have you come to destroy us?. May the power of evil around you, business,  family, marriege, children, spouse's.. be silent at the presence of Jesus in your life.

The Gospel to assures us, Jesus has come to free us from everything that makes us prisoner and steal away our life.

Again, the influence of the devil is everywhere, even in the church, market, school, social media: Faces of fake people who are afraid of meeting real people. But i tell you, the devil is afraid when Jesus steps in. John 3:8  Jesus came to destroy the works of satan. John 10:10 The devil come to destroy,  but Jesus came that we might have life in abundance.  

*Prayer*🙏🏾: I take the authority today in the Name of Jesus to destroy the power of satan, Matthew 28:18 for all powers has been given to me...and John 4:4 says he that is in you is greater...." Amen.

Happy Last Sunday of the Month Of January. God bless you! 

Pax-Peace🙏🏾 Fr Ralph Jnr OSJ.