having authority, and not like the teachers of the law. It happened that, a man with an evil spirit
was in their synagogue, and he shouted, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have
you come to destroy us? I know who you are: you are the Holy One of God.” Then Jesus faced
him and said with authority, “Be silent, and come out of this man!” The evil spirit shook the man
violently and, with a loud shriek, came out of him. All the people were astonished, and they
wondered, “What is this? With what authority he preaches! He even gives orders to evil spirits
and they obey him!” And Jesus’ fame spread throughout all the country of Galilee.
Reflect.
The people are amazed that Jesus teaches with authority. He even has the power to command
demons – and they obey him! But the authority that Jesus wields is not like the authority exercised
in our society by political leaders, corporate executives, and even the leaders of school or
neighborhood groups. All too often these people exercise authority for their own benefit: giving
benefits and jobs tofriends, allies, and benefactors; enriching themselves at the expense of
workers, the poor, and the environment; taking the best for themselves and ignoring others’
needs.
Jesus’ authority is very different. As Saint John Paul II explained, Jesus taught that to reign is
to serve. Those in authority are called to be public servants, seeking the common
good and the benefit of all, especially the most vulnerable. This understanding has its foundation
in the first reading. God has made human beings in his image and likeness and given them
dominion over all things. Therefore, each person has dignity and inestimable value. The task of
those in leadership, supported by our prayers and civic commitment, is to uphold that dignity and
treat each person as a precious child of God.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2022