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Gospel Reading for January 14, 2025 – Mark 1: 21-28
TRUSTWORTHINESS
Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.
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Jesus taught with authority because he knew very well what he was teaching, in both thoughts and actions. Those of us who are in the ministry of evangelization will not be able to teach with authority if we are like the scribes and Pharisees who do not practice what they preach. This is because authority, for it to be recognized, has to come with TRUSTWORTHINESS.
Jesus had so much authority, being the Son of God. Even devils were afraid of him. Of course, the only real challenge that the devil has to deal with is how to eliminate God. And, as we know, this is entirely impossible! All of creation started/starts with him, so there can be no one above him. This is why Satan is very busy making people go against God. He thinks it is how he can win over him. The best he can do is just dream, and dream a lot, especially if Christians are real followers of Christ.
Lord Jesus, drive out all the evil spirits that surround us whenever we are about to do something for the building of your Kingdom!
