God's Authority

    

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

28 January 2024

 

First Reading: Dt 18:15-20

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9

Second Reading: 1 Cor 7:32-35

Gospel: Mk 1:21-28

 

Reflection

By: Jose Paulo Gonzales

 

How great is the Lord that no power in the heavens, on earth, nor under the earth can dare hold a candle to Him. Speaking with authority such that dignitaries would beam with astonishment upon seeing Him, He also had the ability to cast out evil spirits with a single command; for they know who He is. They know the power He wields. They follow Him as they are subject to Him. This is our King: the King of kings, the Lord of lords. His Name is above every other name. He is Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.

The authority with which Jesus spoke perceivably springs from His confidence in the Father, for theirs is a bond unbreakable from of old. Jesus has been with God the Father from the beginning, and Jesus is the One through Whom all things were made (John 1). To interpret (as we cannot speak completely on the Lord’s behalf), Jesus’ authority comes from His eternal divinity with the Father and is not only a result of divine bequeathment, and such naturally translated into the quality of His preaching.

So special is the place Jesus occupies that entire lives are worth being lived for Him, as in today’s Second Reading. Such reading provides basis for why celibacy is practiced today in the Catholic priesthood; for a life lived entirely for Christ is a life not encumbered by the cares of the world and is thus a life undivided in Christ. This is why the priesthood maintains a special place in vocation as do other types of vocation: marriage, religious life (to include the diaconate and nunhood, which are other types of religious calling), and single blessedness. Whatever vocation a person chooses and lives up to in good faith is a rife space God can bless for His commissioning.

A life of stalwart spiritual zeal is one Christ has lived such that He did not withdraw from doing good on the Sabbath. While in today’s Gospel, Jesus has not yet done anything the pharisees can squarely condemn (as He was only preaching on the Sabbath which was apparently acceptable to the pharisees), in Mark chapter 3, Jesus, on Sabbath, would heal a man’s withered hand. Encounters such as this are what usually land Jesus in hot water, for the pharisees maintain a rigid disposition towards the conduct of Sabbath, namely they hold it to an absolute degree that one must resist doing any action on the Special Day. While the originative feeling is not one to be repudiated completely as the pharisees and the like may be ‘coming from a good place’, in the wisdom of the Lord, the prospect of doing good especially for the benefit of those whose needs do not pick any day significantly outweighs the stringent observance of the day of rest. After all, can a person of good heart and sound discernment maintain the composure of rest at the sight of a brother or sister in need? We have the answer in Jesus when He posed to the pharisees this rhetorical question: “which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” (Mark 3:4) We could not save everybody every day; but where our hands can help, they are appreciated… as per the Lord, they can even save!

Prayer

Lord God, thank You for the gift of discernment that nevertheless with You has brought us this far in our Christian walk of life. Please continue to shower upon us Your wisdom and love to make for us a way of life guided not only by sound judgment but ultimately, love. May we continue to be Your hands that care for others so that we can live authentically as Your living tabernacles.

Thank You, Jesus! In Jesus’ most holy Name, Amen.

Entitlement and Authority

Twenty-ninth Sunday

in Ordinary Time

17 October 2021 

 

First Reading: IS 53:10-11

Responsorial Psalm: PS 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22

Second Reading: HEB 4:14-16

Gospel: MK 10:35-45 or 10:42-45

 

Reflection

By: Bernard Borja

 

Have you ever thought of how your achievements and status in life affected how you treat other people? How often do you keep in mind that we alone do not have all authority over the things that have been given to us?

I remember a time when I was in a grocery store, lining up to the cashier. A man suddenly cuts the line, annoying the others, then said, "Abogado ako. May reklamo ka?"  I thoughtI lined up in a "priority for lawyers" lane. But there was only a priority lane for seniors and PWDs, none for lawyers. I'm not sure if cutting in line is one of the perks of being a lawyer.

There was also a time when me and my wife were on the way to a beach resort for a vacation. There was a vehicle service that would take us and other visitors to the resort we're checking in. A group of young women aboard the service suddenly shouted to the driver, "Bakit kami may kasabay? Sabi exclusive ang service para sa amin?" Then one of them followed with words I could not ponder on, "Wag nyo na hintayin na magpakilala ako!"

Sometimes, our achievements and status in life change the way we look at others, especially when we think that we can bend the rules for our own benefit. In today's Gospel, there was some form of entitlement when the sons of Zebedee asked Jesus, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." To add context or background, James and John may have come from a wealthy family as implied during the call of the first disciples (Mark 1:20 "So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.") Their father, Zebedee, may be a wealthy man during his time as suggested that he has hired men. Their wealthy status may have affected how James and John think that they are more favored than the other disciples. I may also think that during this moment, with their tone of asking "we want you to do whatever we ask of you", they forgot the authority of God.

It is natural for us to pray and ask for things that we want from God. Jesus Himself said, "Ask and you shall receive. This is one of the things that we hold on to and somehow gives us assurance that our prayers will be granted. But we tend to forget prayer is a two-way dialogue. When we pray, we also need to listen because we recognize the authority of God and He alone knows whatever is good for us. Even if our prayer is unselfish or not for us alone, we offer it and trust that, "Thy will be done." Though, there are times that in our desperation, we want God to do for us whatever we ask of Him, because we think that "it is our destiny" or "it is our right to have it." But we do not realize if it really is God's will, because we forget to listen and recognize God's authority.

But in spite of us forgetting God's authority over us, He is still eager to listen to our prayers and to whatever it is that we ask of Him. Jesus' response was still a response of how a servant should be, "What do you wish me to do for you?" Authority has often been perceived as the power to control the other. What Jesus offered us is a new understanding of what authority means - it is to open ourselves to be of service to one another, not just for the benefit of one, but for the good of all.

Jesus continues to remind us that when we use our achievements and status in life for us to be perceived as higher than the others, we become slaves of how we want others to respond and do things for us. We become blinded by a power that we thought is ours. Breaking rules, or laws, will be easier for a person who thinks he or she is more favored than others. But Jesus also reminds us that He came to serve and not to be served. As the letter to the Hebrews says, we can confidently approach God to ask and receive His grace in our time of need. When we keep in mind how approachable Jesus is, and how he continues to give His life as a ransom for many, we recognize God's authority over us and we learned to serve God as He deserved.

Prayer

 

Dear Lord, teach us to recognize You in one another as we continue to learn to serve You as we should. May we listen first before we ask, for us to know what You want for us to do. May we always be reminded to acknowledge that whatever achievements and status we have in life, these are all because of Your authority over us. May we humble ourselves to follow Jesus and trust that in our deepest prayers and desires, You always listen and know what is good for us. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.

 

Teaching with Authority

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time   28 January 2018

First reading

Deuteronomy 18: 15-20

The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet lie me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. This is what you requested of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said: “If I hear the voice of the Lord my God any more, or ever again see this great fire, I will die.” Then the Lord replied to me: “They are right in what they have said. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command. Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. But any prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, or who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the prophet to speak-that prophet shall die.”

                

Second reading

1 Corinthians 7: 32-35

I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the affairs of the Lord, how to please the Lord; but the married man is anxious about worldly affairs, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried woman or girl is anxious about the affairs of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit; but the married woman is anxious about worldly affairs, how to please her husband. I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.

Gospel

Mark 1: 21-28

They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and 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.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.

They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching-with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

Reflection

by Grace B. Madriñan

"What is this?  A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him." Mark 1: 27

Reading on the verse above, I can’t help but notice how teaching is connected with authority.  Does this mean you can teach without authority?  Looking at a definition of a teacher, a teacher is “someone who helps others to acquire knowledge, competencies or values.  Informally, the role of a teacher may be taken on by anyone”  This means, anyone can teach, but may not necessarily be effective at it.

Therefore, “teaching with authority” means being able to impart knowledge with confidence  and authenticity enough to get the attention of his audience. While others passively hear what the teacher says, his lessons stays with them even after the encounter. 

But how do we teach with authority?  In today’s Gospel, people regard Jesus “as one having authority and not as the scribes”.  Not as the scribes. Unlike the scribes, Jesus do not mince with words, He tells only the truth. He is compassionate. He does not impose unnecessary burden just to seek comfort.  Whatever He teaches, all of it He takes it into life.  There’s no duplicity.

To be a teacher of authority, then, is to be a good model of character and integrity. This is my prayer for myself everyday.  This is my prayer for our Catholic community, our leaders and world influencers.

Prayer

Father,  teach us to lead by example like Jesus. At one point or another, some people will look to us for inspiration.  May we never fail them.  Teach us to be humble always.  Amen. 

Compassion and Integrity

First Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-20

Moses spoke to all the people, saying: “A prophet like me will the LORD, your God, raise up for you from among your own kin; to him you shall listen. This is exactly what you requested of the LORD, your God, at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, ‘Let us not again hear the voice of the LORD, our God, nor see this great fire any more, lest we die.’ And the LORD said to me, ‘This was well said. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their kin, and will put my words into his mouth; he shall tell them all that I command him. Whoever will not listen to my words which he speaks in my name, I myself will make him answer for it. But if a prophet presumes to speak in my name an oracle that I have not commanded him to speak, or speaks in the name of other gods, he shall die.’”

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9

Second Reading:  1 Corinthians 7:32-35

Brothers and sisters:

I should like you to be free of anxieties. An unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord. But a married man is anxious about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, and he is divided. An unmarried woman or a virgin is anxious about the things of the Lord, so that she may be holy in both body and spirit. A married woman, on the other hand, is anxious about the things of the world, how she may please her husband.  I am telling you this for your own benefit, not to impose a restraint upon you, but for the sake of propriety and adherence to the Lord without distraction.

Gospel:  Mark 1:21-28

Then they came to Capernaum, and on the Sabbath Jesus 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.

Reflection

By Grace B. Madriñan

When we say “authority”, what comes first into your mind? Someone who has power? Someone to be feared? In today’s Gospel, Jesus demonstrated a different kind of authority, something that they did not see in the Pharisees. When Jesus speaks, He drives out demons, He heals the incurable and His words are sharp enough it can expel the egoistic one.

On Pope Francis’ homily during his first Mass in Manila Cathedral, he spoke with so much authority and integrity, it moved me to tears. And to think I was just watching the television. His mere aura as he passes by the streets on his pope mobile was enough to move people to tears. That’s the kind of authority that Jesus wants us to have --the kind that moves people to be blessed and be changed forever; not the kind that brings fear and anxiety.

I believe this kind of authority can only be achieved if we demonstrate compassion and integrity. If we teach someone about simplicity and yet we are living a lavish lifestyle, I doubt if they would even listen to what we say. If we force someone to follow our orders, it would not be fulfilling if we know they only heeded out of fear. It would be good if people are drawn to us and are moved to action because they respect us and trust our good judgment.

Prayer

Father, make us a good example of authority. Further enhance our faith so that we may be able to draw more people closer to You, and not away from You, through our imitation of Your life. Amen.

Power and Authority For Servant Leaders

First Reading: Is 53:10-11

The LORD was pleased to crush him in infirmity. If he gives his life as an offering for sin, he shall see his descendants in a long life, and the will of the LORD shall be accomplished through him. Because of his affliction he shall see the light in fullness of days; through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22

Second Reading: Heb 4:14-16

Brothers and sisters: Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens,

Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

Gospel: Mk 10:35-45

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." He replied, "What do you wish me to do for you?" They answered him, "Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left." Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" They said to him, "We can." Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared."

When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus summoned them and said to them, "You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Reflection

By: Marky Vertido

Election season is coming not only in the Philippines but also in the United States. As Democrat Obama and Republican Romney battle for the world’s most powerful position, the Philippines will also stage once more the most colorful election in the world. And the color never fades as politicians once more forget the past and ally with enemies. Gradually, the television is starting to show early campaign advertisements by the so called “epal” politicians and soon we will see and hear their jingles everywhere.

Even during the time of Jesus, politics and power were already a dividing factor in Israel. While Romans were ruling over the Israelites, the Israelites themselves rule over other Israelites. And these “rulers” seek self-righteousness and self-satisfaction only. It is one of the reasons why Jesus, the Messiah, was incarnated so that Israelites and all the nations be united not for power and riches but for God.

James and John, sons of Zebedee, show how politics and the aim of power have blinded them to recognize the real purpose of the Messiah. They wanted to have power as the right and left hand of Jesus. It shows then that they have never really understood Jesus. In a time when Israelites are being enslaved by Romans, they have seen the Messiah as one who will revolt to remove the Romans and rule the land soon. So Jesus challenged the two and told them that He is not the one to give either the left or the right position to anyone for it was already prepared by the Father to those who were chosen.

Jesus took the opportunity to teach the disciples the meaning of authority. Clearly, those who wish to be great will be the servant of all. And those who wish to be the first will be the slave of all. “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give life as a ransom of many.”

The readings this Sunday all pertain to the true meaning of leadership and authority. It provides us the qualifications needed as we select those who will lead our nation soon. First, a true leader must be God’s “servant who shall justify many, and he will bear their guilt.” Second, we are looking for a leader who is able “to sympathize with our weaknesses” and who was “tested in every way, yet without sin.”

These are very ideal but God will give us the person who shall possess the following. We only need to be very sensitive to recognize that person. The Church in the Philippines would call a true leader as a “servant-leader.” This is the advocacy of the Church  and achieving it is still far from reality.  We can say today that we have good government but when will this last? How about our religious leaders and the laity, have they really realized what it meant to be a servant-leader already?

As we renew our faith this Year of Faith, let us find the real meaning of serving and leading the people who were entrusted to us. Today, we also celebrate World Mission Sunday, let us recognize our mission as heirs of the Kingdom of God to live the Gospel in every way and to evangelize through our examples.

This kind of missionary life was exemplified to us by our very own St. Pedro Calungsod whom the Church through Pope Benedict, raises him to the altars today. Giving us an example of giving one’s life to save others. Let everyone who seeks power and authority be driven in accordance to the Word of God. And let this start with our young generation so that the transformation of our society will continue.

Commitment: Serve faithfully and enthusiastically in any situation we are in.

Prayer

Lord, we thank you for the gift of having St. Pedro Calungsod as our second Filipino Saint. Give us also the virtues that he possessed as Your servant. Let the missionary zeal ablaze in our hearts also that we may respond to our brothers and sisters who are need. Guided by the Holy Spirit, help us in rebuilding our nation. With Mary our Mother, we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.