10
Jan
Jan
Reflection: Mark 1:21-28
Gospel reading (Mk 1:21-28) is part of a wider narrative called a “day in Capernaum”. At the heart of today’s reading is the event of the exorcism through which Jesus is presented as a powerful prophet in word and deed. He spoke with authority and healed the sick and those possessed by unclean spirits. In that show of power, Jesus reveals himself as Master, Friend and Lord. Let’s try to see him. Jesus is teaching in the synagogue. His authority fills not just the place but each person there. His authority and teaching probe into the lives of his listeners and reveal the truth about their lives. Most of them are astounded by his presence and teaching. But some were deeply disturbed by the words of Jesus. The man with an unclean spirit question the one with the Holy Spirit! “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?” The devil tells the truth: Jesus came to destroy the devil, ruin the demon, and defeat him. This unclean spirit knows the power of God, and he also proclaims his holiness. He speaks not only for himself but for all those in the synagogue that day. He represents everyone who has ever experienced the brokenness of life. He is the spokesperson for all who feel disconnected from God. The possessed man represents the human condition. His uncleanness is not about personal hygiene, immorality, or being bad. Instead, he describes the fragmented lives of those gathered in the synagogue and the many voices within them. And how does Jesus answer this question of “What have you to do with us”? Jesus says, “Everything! I have Everything to do with you.” Those are the words that can begin to put his life back together. Jesus has Everything to do with us. He stands before us as the mirror image of who we can become. He calls us back into the beauty and wholeness of our original creation, the one made in the image and likeness of God. Before his authoritative words, the powers of evil succumbed. That is why the reading of Sacred Scripture in our eucharistic celebrations is never considered to be just any reading, replaceable or dispensable, but rather a liturgical celebration. This explains why we listen to the Gospel standing up because we believe Christ himself is speaking to us. For every voice that denies Jesus and cries, “What have you do to with us?” Jesus says, “Shhh! Be quiet. That’s not who you are. You are mine and I have Everything to do with you.” Listen to that voice, and you too will be astounded at what can become of your life.