AUTHORITY OF JESUS – 1/10/23 (Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time)
Mark 1:23–25
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!”
For the full readings, click here:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011023.cfm
Blessed Tuesday! Because Jesus is God and the King of the Universe, all things are subjected to Him. He is the ruler of all creation. As such, the people were surprised with the authority of Jesus to command the demons to leave using just His words. Jesus Christ truly demonstrated, with His command, that He’s our Lord. Because He is our Lord, this means that we should make Him the center of our lives. It is only then that we can see His plan for us and that we can be fully open as to how our God guides us for us to have deeper relationship with Him. At the same time, our sin can make us farther away from God. In the gospel reading, the demons spoke through the man whom they possessed. It’s important for us to acknowledge that by willingly committing grave sins, such as a willful rejection of the teachings of the Catholic Church, support and participation with abortion and many more, we may endanger our souls in such a way that the devil may rule over us and not God. This is why Jesus has always been merciful to us. He truly desires for us to be delivered from the evil one, especially by seeking the sacrament of confession when we have committed grave sins.
For us to be protected by the powerful authority of Jesus Christ, we should resolve to give our lives completely to Him and be faithful to His teachings. At the same time, God wants us to spend more time in the Scriptures. The Bible is the Word of God. Although the Scriptures are written by human beings, it is still under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. By reading and reflecting on the Bible, especially on the Gospel, our hearts become more open to the voice of Christ. In the Scriptures, God speaks to us in a very personal way, and He helps us as we persevere in our spiritual life. As we begin this Ordinary times, let’s reflect on the authority of Jesus and how He influences us in our lives. His light will free us from our desires that belong to darkness if we are under His powerful protection.
Amen +
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +
May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +
Reflection by: Dominic
Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:
https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/
Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls
Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:
https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth
MARGARITA FIDEI 