28 January, 2024 | Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Reading  1 : Dt 18:15-20 | Reading 2: Reading 2 1 Cor 7:32-35

Gospel Mk 1:21-28

Then they came to Capernaum,

and on the sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and taught.

The people were astonished at his teaching,

for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.

In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit;

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!"

Jesus rebuked him and said,

"Quiet! Come out of him!"

The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.

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."

His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

Reflections:

Reflection: The people in the synagogue were amazed at Jesus' teaching because He spoke with authority. Unlike the teachers of the law, Jesus did not rely on human traditions and interpretations but He spoke with divine authority. The presence of evil spirits highlights the reality of spiritual warfare. In our faith journey, we may also encounter spiritual battles, but we can find strength and victory in Jesus Christ. Let us ask ourselves: Do we fully trust Jesus' authority and allow His words to shape our beliefs, attitudes, and actions? We all have personal struggles and "unclean spirits”. Trust the power of prayer and seek deliverance from spiritual struggle. It is good to  make a the retreat for healing and deliverance once in a few years.  

Activity: 

Surrender yourself totally to Jesus’ authority and power, seek deliverance from spiritual bondage, and ask for your physical healing and his anointing.