Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

(Hebrews 2:5-12; Mark 1:21-28)

The struggle between Jesus and Satan did not end in the desert.  With his minions Satan’s continues his spiritual battle.  In today’s gospel an unclean spirit has possession of a man in Jesus’ presence.  The demon makes a defiant charge: “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?”  Then it attempts to control Jesus by revealing his name, “Holy One of God.”

Jesus, however, is unruffled by the verbal assault.  With a fierce shout he commands the evil spirit to leave the helpless victim.  The spirit obeys but not without hurting the man.  The compassion of Jesus in rescuing the possessed man and the evil of the possessor are manifest to all. Jesus is rightly commended for “teaching with authority.”

The struggle be Christ and Satan continues in each of our lives.  When we feel tempted to lie, steal, lust, or whatever, we need to call of Jesus.  He maintains the authority to keep the devil at bay.

Sunday, January 28, 2024

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME

(Deuteronomy 18:15-20; I Corinthians 7:32-35; Mark 1:21-28)

The Gospel according to Saint Mark is the shortest of the four canonical gospels. It's probably the least appreciated as well. But you can't say it's not dramatic. It draws us into the action as if it were an episode of Star Wars. The passage we read today is no exception.

To understand it we have to go back a little to last Sunday's gospel where Jesus says: “The Kingdom of God is at hand.”  You can bet on it. The Kingdom of God is essentially Jesus Himself, the Son of God. Now the kingdom is advancing like an army on the march. The forces of evil have to flee. God is reclaiming human hearts, the territory that was ceded to Satan and his demons.

In the gospel reading today we see a confrontation between Jesus and the enemy. The devil occupies the soul of a man. Perhaps the man is a lunatic, but the gospel does not say how the possession manifests itself. It doesn't matter. The presence of Jesus, charged with the Holy Spirit given to him at his Baptism, threatens the demon from head to toe.

The demon cannot resist him. He has to get out of the captive like a soldier whose trench has been ignited by a flamethrower.  The demon tries to challenge Jesus by revealing his identity, “the Holy One of God.” But the Lord silences him before the people realize what he is saying. In the statement the demon refers to himself with the plural “we.” He is speaking on behalf of all the demons whose domination of the world is being upended.

Jesus' action to silence the demon may cause us to ask, “Why? Isn't it good that everyone knows that the Son of God has come among them?” It's not good because Jesus doesn't want to be seen as a warrior coming to overthrow the government of Rome.  It is critical that we all understand that Jesus is not a political messiah but a spiritual one. He comes to save not only Israel but the entire world from evil habits that plunder the soul of life. The violence with which the demon releases control of the possessed indicates Jesus’ power to carry out this mission.

Jesus' desire that his identity not be revealed has been called “the messianic secret.” We are going to see Jesus insist it being kept throughout our reading of Mark’s gospel this year. But there is an exception to this pattern. It occurs on Palm Sunday when we read the Passion according to Saint Mark. After Jesus’ death on the cross, the Roman centurion says openly, “Truly this man was the son of God.” Of course, Jesus’ death prevents the centurion’s being silenced, but there is no point that the secret be kept any longer. Through his passion and death Jesus, the Messiah and Son of God, has revealed God’s purpose. He conquers human hearts by replacing sin with divine love.  

People in the synagogue say that Jesus speaks with “authority.” This word comes from the Latin word auctoritas meaning having influence over others. Jesus’ authority moves us to repent our greed, pride, lust, and other sins. It expels unclean spirits from their strategic position in our hearts. His authority frees us to follow him on the path of eternal life.

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

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.

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Memorial of Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory Nazianzen

(I John 2:22-28; John 1:19-28)

Saints Basil and Gregory Nazianzen were fourth century bishops in the eastern part of the Roman Empire.  Because of their intimate friendship, they share a common feast day.  They also played a significant role in defending the divinity of Christ against the Arian heresy.  Their testimony to Christ may be likened to that of John the Baptist in today’s gospel.

In the Gospel of John the Jews from Jerusalem are set against Jesus.  Later in the gospel they will contest his claim that he gives his flesh to eat.  Here they play a similar role vis-à-vis John.  They first ask who he is and then if he might be related to the expected Messiah.  John’s replies must have frustrated them as he only claims to be the precursor of one is greater than he. 

We think that we may know who Christ is by saying that he is the Son of God.  But because he is that, we can never know him completely.  Yet this fact should not keep us from trying to know him more.  He will keep surprising us by both his gentleness and strength.  As the New Year takes shape, let us promise ourselves to make every effort to dialogue with Christ in order to know him better.

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

 Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

(I Samuel 1:9-20; Mark 1:21-28)

Jesus’ teaching threatens evil spirits.  He speaks “with authority.”  What can this mean but that he does not waver on right and wrong?  He goes to the heart of the matter calling lust a sin as well as adultery and vengeance a sin as well as murder.  As he pinpoints the sections of the human heart that require attention, people give assent while devils recoil.

Jesus speaks with such authority at a cost.  The evil spirits will regroup to eliminate Jesus.  In the end they will be only marginally successful.  They will bring about Jesus’ death in the most horrible of ways.  But God, the just judge, will raise him from the dead.  In the process He will send evil spirits packing, at least from those who trust in Jesus.

Let us take heed of what is happening.  It is not enough to be amazed like the people at the Capernaum synagogue.  We have to entrust ourselves to Jesus’ care.  This means to do as he tells us and not to flirt with his enemies.   

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

(I Samuel 1:9-20; Mark 1:21-28)

God makes a great concession to Moses when He tells him his name.  Now Moses may call on God whenever he desires a favor.  It is like being in a crowd and grabbing the attention of a personality because you call him by a private name.  The unclean spirit in today’s gospel attempts to use the name card on Jesus but without success.

After Jesus teaches “with authority,” he demonstrates the extent of his power.  When he notices a man possessed by the devil, he orders it to leave.  The devil, aware of whom Jesus is, calls him by name.  Of course, everyone knows Jesus’ name.  The unclean spirit, however, knows Jesus by a private name, “the Holy One of God.”  The ploy fails, however, because the kingdom of God has broken in.  The power of evil has been vanquished.  Jesus has effectively shut the evil spirit up.

Jesus has come to reestablish a personal relationship between God and humans.  We will now be heard when we call upon the Father by name.  Or we might call upon Jesus by name to the same effect.  The kingdom that has taken over creates an atmosphere of trust.  God will assist us when we call upon Him with sincerity of heart.

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

(Hebrews 2:5-12; Mark 1:21-28)

Last month a leading American magazine featured a story on exorcism.  It interviewed a person who believes herself to be possessed, exorcists, and scientists.  After relating difficult to explain phenomena, the article left open the possibility of demonic possession.  Still possession seems more a part of a first century mentality than a twenty-first.  Today’s gospel relates the first of many incidents in which Jesus casts out a demon.

The passage testifies to Jesus’ authority.  The people are amazed that when he speaks, the spirit obeys. He does not hesitate to address the demon much less does he show it deference.  Like a four star general with a division of soldiers behind him, his word calls the devil to attention.

Jesus will help us as he helps the demoniac.  We are not likely possessed by anything more than bad habits or errant thinking.  Nevertheless, opening ourselves to his words will free us from these faults.  We will not only live more happily but also look forward to eternal life as our destiny.

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

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.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

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.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

(I Samuel 1:9-20; Mark 1:21-28)

As American parents shudder when their high school children go to the prom, parents in Australia worry as their children finish secondary school.  Graduation there is typically followed by a week with classmates at the beach.  Un-chaperoned, the teens are likely to turn the rite of passage into a seven-day orgy.  Some families are willing to give their graduates a trip to Hong Kong if they forgo the week-long partying.  In today's gospel Jesus presents himself as the rescuer of people given to drink, drugs, and sex.

The passage speaks of "unclean spirits" which are normally considered devils possessing the innocent.  However, the term may be profitably read today as hedonists obsessed by lust and craving stupor.  Jesus addresses this condition with authority.  He is not concerned with how pitiful the situation appears but with the well-being of the people involved.  He commands the spirits to leave the infected; that is, in a contemporary interpretation, his care engenders a genuine love of self that jars hedonists out of self-abuse. 

In a society that condones libertine sex and blinks at drunkenness we should see Jesus as a champion of spiritual integrity.  His love for us suppresses bodily urges for illegitimate pleasure.  He provides us with peace of mind and the tranquility of self-control.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

(I Samuel 1:9-20; Mark 1:21-28)

Parents in Australia worry when their children finish secondary school. Graduation there is typically followed by a week with classmates at the beach. Un-chaperoned, the teens are likely to turn the rite of passage into a seven-day orgy. Some families offer their graduates a trip to Hong Kong if they forego the week-long partying. In today's gospel Jesus presents himself as the rescue of such people given to drink, drugs, and sex.

The passage speaks of "unclean spirits" which are normally considered devils possessing the innocent. However, it may be profitably read today as hedonists obsessed by lust and craving stupor. Jesus addresses this condition with authority. He is not concerned with how pitiful the situation appears but with the well-being of the people involved. He commands the spirits to leave the infected; that is, in a contemporary interpretation his care engenders a genuine love of self that moves hedonists out of self-abuse.

In a society that condones libertine sex and blinks at drunkenness we should see Jesus as a champion of spiritual integrity. His love for us suppresses bodily urges for illegitimate pleasure. He provides us with peace of mind and the tranquility of self-control.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

(Hebrews 2:5-12; Mark 1:21-28)

Once in a while we see criticism of humanism from Christian groups. According to them humanism is the archenemy of faith because it seeks to replace the primacy of God with that of humans. But certainly this criticism is both wrong-headed and short-sighted. There are great saints like Thomas More who were humanists. Even Pope John Paul II was considered a Christian humanist. Calling humanism anti-Christian is like calling an athlete anti-intellectual. Such a label does not account for humanism’s possibilities.

Humanism endeavors to promote all men and women, not just the rich or the educated, but the poor and simple as well. It says that the value of the individual human must not be ignored. It is true that some humanists get carried away with these ideas. Secular humanists try to exalt humanity by denying the existence of God. Indeed, they attempt to turn humans into gods with the authority to make laws that are contrary to nature.

In the gospel Jesus shows himself to be a humanist. When a man who is possessed by an unclean spirit comes before him on the sabbath, he takes pity. Right away, he casts out the demon so the man may have his life back. The Pharisees consider the sabbath so holy that all regular activity must stop to give praise to God. But Jesus’ expelling the demon on the sabbath indicates that God is honored more by restoring humans to their full senses than by compliance with a narrow interpretation of the Law.

Homilette for Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

(Hebrews 2:5-12; Mark 1:21-28)

Once in a while we see criticism of humanism from Christian groups. According to them humanism is the archenemy of faith because it seeks to replace the primacy of God with that of humans. But certainly this criticism is both wrong-headed and short-sighted. There are great saints like Thomas More who were humanists. Even Pope John Paul II was considered a Christian humanist. Calling humanism anti-Christian is like calling an athlete anti-intellectual. Such a label does not account for humanism’s possibilities.

Humanism endeavors to promote all men and women, not just the rich or the educated, but the poor and simple as well. It says that the value of the individual human must not be ignored. It is true that some humanists get carried away with these ideas. Secular humanists try to exalt humanity by denying the existence of God. Indeed, they attempt to turn humans into gods with the authority to make laws that are contrary to nature.

In the gospel Jesus shows himself to be a humanist. When a man who is possessed by an unclean spirit comes before him on the sabbath, he takes pity. Right away, he casts out the demon so the man may have his life back. The Pharisees consider the sabbath so holy that all regular activity must stop to give praise to God. But Jesus’ expelling the demon on the sabbath indicates that God is honored more by restoring humans to their full senses than by compliance with a narrow interpretation of the Law.

Homilette for January 15, 2008

You will find below homilettes for all weekdays since January 7. If you have a comment or suggestion about these works, please write me at cmeleop@yahoo.com. Many New Year blessings, cm

Tuesday of the First Week of Ordinary Time

(Mark 1:21-28)

Every once in a while we see criticism of humanism from Christian groups. According to these people humanism is the archenemy of faith because it seeks to replace the primacy of God with that of humans. But certainly this criticism is short-sighted. There are great saints like Thomas More who were humanists. Even Pope John Paul II was considered a Christian humanist. Condemning humanism as anti-Christian would be like condemning radio with the same label. Just as there are quality radio programs – some that even promoting the gospel – so also are most forms of humanism beneficial.

Humanism endeavors to promote all men and women, not just the rich or the educated, but poor and simple people as well. It says that the value of any individual human should not be ignored. It is true that some humanists get carried away with these ideas. Secular humanists, for example, would say that God does not exist. Indeed, they make humans gods of themselves with the authority to make all laws as they see fit. But this is an aberration.

In the gospel Jesus shows how God Himself may be called a humanist. When a man who is possessed by a devil comes before him, he takes pity. Right away, he casts out the devil so the man may have his life back. The fact that he does this on the Sabbath doubly indicates God’s love for every human being. The Pharisees consider Saturday so holy that all regular activity must stop to give praise to God. For a healer, as Jesus certainly is, this would mean to stop healing. Jesus’ driving away the demon from the possessed man on the Sabbath indicates that God is honored more by restoring humans to their full senses than by compliance with a narrow interpretation of the Law.