Daily Reflections
Mark 1:21-28 • Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
There is dynamism in Mark’s Gospel. It captures the power and authority of Jesus’ ministry. Today we encounter the fact that the kingdom is not about talk but about power. Jesus came to overthrow Satan. He came to demolish the work of darkness and liberate us from its deadly grip. Those who heard Jesus teach in the synagogue and witnessed his healing miracles knew immediately that this was a new teaching and it came with authority. News like this is hard to contain and so it spread like wildfire!
The gospel is about transforming lives and the world. It is a force to be reckoned with – in fact, it’s the greatest power in the world. The biblical scholar C.H. Dodd, commenting on God’s power and miracles, wrote: ‘A miracle in the sense of the New Testament is not so much a breach of the laws of nature, but rather a remarkable or exceptional occurrence which brought an undeniable sense of the presence and power of God.’ We too can know the undeniable sense of God’s presence and power. We believe in God’s power and miracles. This does not mean we chase after the absurd or expect a miraculous answer to every need. It does mean, however, that we have confidence in the authority of the gospel to transform lives. Ask yourself: do I have a profound confidence in the power of the gospel? Do I wake up each day with an awareness that I have received God’s new life? Consider this truth: no problem, no situation, no person is beyond the power of the gospel to save.
Jesus’ demonstration of deliverance in the synagogue was a sign of the power he revealed in his resurrection from the dead. We can have a great confidence in the power of the gospel. The Holy Spirit can deepen and sustain this confidence within us. As we grow in the assurance of Jesus’ victory, we are led to want to praise God. Try this today: whatever circumstances or problems you face, whatever trials or trauma you are going through, praise God for his love and mercy. ‘The power of praise releases the power of God into a set of circumstances and enables God to change them if this is his design’ (Merlin Carothers).
‘Lord Jesus, you came with authority and power. Teach me to avail myself of your grace so I may praise your name and know your power.’
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 • Psalm 94(95):1-2, 6-9
1 Corinthians 7:32-35 • Mark 1:21-28
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