IV SUNDAY OF THE YEAR B 24

IV SUNDAY, 28 JANUARY 2024, DEUT 18. 15-20; 1 COR 7. 32-35; Mk 1. 21a-28   Focus: An Authority that empowers and not overpowers! Indicative: When God’s power fills a person, he speaks and acts with an authority which no human authority can give, because it is a power that is from above and beyond the merely human   1.      Jesus preaches the gospel and does miracles. Perhaps, there may be some others also who preach and perform miracles. But, the difference of Jesus is his tone of authority, unlike the Pharisees and scribes. 2.      People are easily struck by this difference. But, what is this authority? Where does it come from? Jesus had no office or position, and thus no official or juridical power and authority. But he had a tremendous spiritual authority and a moral authority. 3.      It is an authority that is rooted in his communion with the Father. In the words of the first reading from Deuteronomy, it is the authority that comes from those words which are directly put in his mouth by God Himself. 4.      And in tune with the second reading from the 1 Corinthians, it is the authority that comes from being free from anxieties. It is the authority that comes from being anxious about the affairs of the Lord, and how to please the Lord. 5.      It is the authority that springs from an undivided devotion to the Lord. This is the profound spiritual authority, rooted in God. It is also an authority that testifies itself in a sound character and conduct. 6.      It is this authority that gives his teaching conviction and clarity, and gives his acting the power of healing. It is the power of God that is seen in holiness and goodness, in spirituality and integrity, in faith and charity, in devotion and dedication. 7.      It is the power that challenges and expels evil powers. It is the power that directly appeals to the heart, stirs up the interior and transforms a person. It is the real integral authority that embraces in one stretch both God and humanity. Precisely it is this power and authority that was lacking in the Pharisees and scribes, but was abounding in Jesus. Hence the difference! 8.      It is this spiritual and moral authority which is badly needed today for every follower of Christ. Sadly, often, power and authority corrupt persons, make them arrogant and lord over others and become doorsteps for unhealthy and unholy power politics. 9.      Authority is used as a tool to woo or intimidate others, and also as a bait and magic rod to establish and propagate oneself, rather than God and His reign. Those in authority must make sure that their role is not a power-wielding tool, but a grace-building channel. 10.  But, a follower of Christ should be a deeply spiritual and moral person. Spiritual and moral authority is much more important than mere juridical authority.   Imperative: A person who clings to and exercises only legal authority, but is devoid of spiritual and moral authority will be nothing but shallow and less effective   (Reflection 2) Punch Line: Authority: Not subjugation but Submission! Guideline: In a time of degenerating authority, we need to rediscover and recapture the right spirit of authority and learn to exercise the same type 1.      It is not a sweeping judgment to say that today authority is getting corrupted. It is becoming synonymous with manipulation, discrimination, and domination. The real spirit of authority which is nobility and dignity of character is corroding. The real purpose of authority which is service and benefit of others is sidelined. 2.       It is in this context the word of God is resurging the true authority. True authority is to be seen in terms of spiritual tenacity, moral credibility, and authenticity of life. 3.       In the gospel, Jesus had this true authority. It was an authority with a difference. People of Jesus’ time marvelled at his teaching because he taught with authority. It was a teaching that was straight and direct. It was not teaching that was rhetoric but authentic. It was not teaching seeking to impress others about himself but impress God’s message and word on their hearts. 4.       From where does this authority come? It was an authority rooted in God in a deep spirituality, lived in a life of integrity, based on virtue and value, and shown concretely in benevolence through acts of healing and kindness. 5.       Jesus was totally united with his Father, spiritually vibrant. He was integral and credible. He was so authentic without any trace of duplicity. This was his real authority and not merely the divine power to work some miracles. This was the authority that made him different and distinct from others in authority. 6.       In other words, Jesus’ authority was an authority that was characterized by humility, obedience to God’s will, and solidarity with others. Any authority that is arrogant, does not obey God’s will, and fails to be concerned and solidary with others, is not a godly authority. 7.       Jesus’ authority was thus holistic, both in words and deeds. That is why he could teach and preach powerfully and also could heal and exorcise authoritatively. This type of authority is a serious warning and challenge to those in authority in our present times. 8.       How sadly the authority of today is mostly devoid of spirituality, morality, and authenticity! How many today turn their authority into a tool for self-projection, self-promotion, and self-glory? How much does authority degenerate into a means for subjugating and overpowering others? 9.       Today each one must check upon the quality and direction of our authority. Everyone, in their own way, be it in family, company, or community exercises some kind of authority. But the question is, is it a spiritual, integral, and benevolent authority?   Life Line: Unless the present authority regains that lost touch of spiritual fervour and moral authenticity, it will not be powerful enough to demolish evil and establish good