Tuesday of the
Second Week in Ordinary Time
(I Samuel 1:9-20; Mark 1:21-28)
The people of Capernaum are impressed with Jesus because
he speaks “with authority.” That is, unlike
the scribes who constantly defer to the Scriptures, Jesus speaks with
confidence and conviction. They hear him
as the people of England heard their Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, announce
opposition to Adolph Hitler. The English
steeled up for the long fight ahead because they believed that Churchill had
the courage and prudence to win the war.
Jesus shows that his authority is more than bravado when
the evil spirit obeys his command. He
tells it to leave the man it possesses so that the man can live in peace. The spirit attempts to create difficulty by
revealing Jesus’ identity as God’s Son. In
the end, however, it fully submits. The
people at this point are not sure what to make of Jesus other than he speaks
with authority.
Sometimes we feel out of control. Perhaps we are in the midst of a heated
discussion or being tempted by a sensual desire. In such moments it behooves us to call out to
Jesus for assistance. He will
unfailingly help us regain equilibrium.
