Scripture reading reflection

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Scripture Reading Reflection
by fr. andrew kelly
FOURTH SUNDAY ORDINAL TIME – FEB. 1, 2015
Who is Jesus Christ in the life of believers?
Sunday’s Gospel (Mark 1:21-28) portrays Jesus as a teacher: “…for Jesus taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”
Whether a believer gathers on Sundays with other believers to listen to the proclaimed Scriptures or a believer sits alone in stillness and silence pondering Jesus’ word, Jesus Christ is teaching “as one having authority.” Even today, Jesus’ teachings still astound.
Sunday’s Gospel continues: “Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. …” Believers immediately recognize the person with the “unclean spirit” because every believer knows well how powerful an “unclean spirit” can be. Selfishness, apathy toward others, intolerance and lack of compassion are just a few of the symptoms.
The Gospel says: “But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of that person!’ And the unclean spirit, throwing the person into convulsions and crying with a loud voice, came out.”
Jesus still speaks an authoritative word. Believers change. Selflessness, love, tolerance and compassion are but a few of the symptoms that become apparent when Jesus rebukes an “unclean spirit” in the life of a believer.
(Father Andrew Kelly is a retired priest of the Diocese of Davenport.)


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