Saint Colomban by Ermes Dovico

GOSPEL PEARLS

Are we amazed by Jesus?

He taught them as one who had authority. (Mark 1:  22)

Gospel Pearls 31_01_2021

They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. (Mark 1: 21-28)

Simple men began wondering about Jesus' true identity after witnessing Him perform miracles. Yet more educated men were amazed by the authoritative way he taught, an authoritativeness that became even more evident when He drove out demons from people. Jesus, therefore, amazed everyone, from the simple to the wise. But are we, too, fascinated by Jesus or do we now consider Him with indifference in our daily lives?