Reflections on Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
(Deut 18:15-20/ 1Cor 7:2-35/ Mk 1:21b-28)
· Dear sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus, “Jesus entered the synagogue and taught” (Mk 1:21).
The scripture scholars say that the synagogue was primarily a teaching institution where there was no music, no singing, and no sacrifice. The synagogue service consisted of only three things as Prayer, the reading of God’s word, and teaching. It was said that temple was the place of worship and sacrifice. Therefore, the synagogue was purely the place of teaching and instruction.
The synagogue did not have a permanent preacher or teacher. When the people met at the synagogue service, it was opened to the ruler to call on any competent person to give the message. Thus, Jesus was able to open his teaching.
· “Jesus taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes” (Mk 1:22).
Because the scribes had the duty of giving justice to the individual cases. No scribe ever gave a decision on his own. But Jesus spoke the voice of God. It was like a breeze from heaven to hear.
· “Be silent and come out of him! And the unclean spirit crying with a loud voice, came out of him”. People were astounded saying, “What is this? A new teaching- with authority?” (Mk 1:25-27).
· Dear friends, Jesus’ teaching is to comfort and console.
· His teaching is to edify and enhance life.
· His teaching is to uplift the life/ His teaching is to Glorify God alone.
Example.
Acts of the Apostles 3: 6, Peter Said, “I have no silver or gold, but I give you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk”. Peter’s teaching gives life to people and glorifies God.
· How do we teach?
· What are the motives behind our teachings?
· What do we expect of our teaching?
· How do our teachings make a positive impact in the life of others?
· Do our teachings enhance? Comfort? Console?
· Do our teachings reduce the burden in the life of our friends, family, and society?
· Or Does our teaching dominate? Exploit? Impose? like most of the leaders of today?
Today, we all are called to reflect on our lifestyle of teaching.
Example. Matthew 3:2 John Proclaims, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near!”
John the Baptist’s teaching calls everyone to have the change of heart to have closer communion with God and people.
Let us take few minutes to reflect on our lifestyle in our families, in society and in our consecrated life and moreover in our relationship with others.
Thank you, Almighty Father,
Thank You, Jesus,
Praise You Holy Spirit
for helping us to evaluate our lifestyle of teaching- Amen.
Fr. VALAN, OMI
