Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
(I Samuel 1:9-20; Mark 1:21-28)
Three characteristics mark today’s gospel which might be
entitled “the beginning of ä typical day in the life of Jesus.” First, it’s Saturday when Jews go to the
synagogue. Jesus, who never exempts
himself from Jewish law, also is found in the synagogue. Second, Jesus speaks with “authority.” This word, from the Latin “auctoritas,”
means influence over others, both legally and practically. Paraphrasing an old television commercial,
when Jesus speaks, people listen.
Finally, Jesus admonishes the evil spirit to be quiet when
they call him “the Holy One of God.” This characteristic, known as the “Messianic
secret,“ refers to Jesus’ not wanting others to know of his divine Sonship. This sounds odd, but there is a reason behind
the secrecy. Jesus wants people to see
how he has to suffer to fulfill his divine mission. Only then will the people be able to
understand that divine Sonship requires sacrificial suffering for others.
Our days might not be as busy as Jesus’, and we may not have
his charismatic authority. But we can
follow Jesus by being faithful to our Catholic customs and laws. Even more importantly, we can sacrifice our
own comfort for the good of others to share in his divine Sonship.
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