Tuesday of the
First Week in Ordinary Time
(Hebrews 2:5-12; Mark 1:21-28)
Karl Rahner was one of the
greatest theologians of the twentieth century.
His ideas provided a synthesis of Thomas Aquinas and contemporary philosophers
like Martin Heidegger. Interestingly,
Rahner’s books contain few footnotes. Evidently
he did not feel the need to validate his ideas by referring to his
sources. They were accepted on his own
authority. In today’s gospel Jesus is likewise
credited for this kind of teaching.
The passage compares Jesus’ teaching with that of the
scribes. Where the scribes have to cite
many passages to make their case, Jesus’ commentary on Scripture is simple and
clear. It impresses the people who can
judge authentic wisdom from mere sophistry.
Jesus’ outstanding ability is indicated by the passage’s stating twice that
he teaches with “authority.”
But we accept Jesus’ teaching for more reason than the
fact that he speaks with authority.
After all charlatans can move people by their conviction. Jesus’ teaching rings true in the recesses of
the human heart. We know deep down that
we must love even those who hate us if we are to come close to God. In the Eucharist Jesus draws so close to us that
we not only have his truth but feel his strength. He enables us to live with complete
integrity.
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