FOURTH SUNDAY (B) January 31, 2021

Deuteronomy 18: 15-20; Psalm 95; 1Corinthians 7: 32-35; Mark 1: 21-28

by Jude Siciliano, OP

 

Mini reflections on the Sunday scripture readings designed for persons on the run. “Faith Book” is also brief enough to be posted in the Sunday parish bulletins people take home.

 

From today’s Gospel reading:

“The people were astonished at Jesus’ teaching,
for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.”

 

Reflection:

We have confidence in Jesus’ words.  We trust he will continue to be faithful to us as he sends us modern prophets to teach us his ways by their words and example.  Regular reflection on Jesus’ teachings can shape us; help us resist evil and turn towards the good.  As the crowds acknowledged that day Jesus taught in the synagogue – his teaching has authority.

 

So, we ask ourselves: 

 

Whose words and actions have the power to sway us and call us to righteous living?  Who gives us perspective and a lens through which to look out at our world to help us find the good and reject the evil?  For Christians, Jesus’ words have such authority for us.