First Reading - Hebrews 2:5-12
Gospel - Mark 1:21-28
The Gospel of the day brings us to Capernaum, a bustling town on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus begins His public ministry. His teaching immediately captures the attention of the people. Unlike the scribes and Pharisees, who relied on quoting ancient texts and traditions, Jesus speaks with a unique authority. His words carry power because they come directly from His identity as the Son of God. His authority is not borrowed or delegated — it is intrinsic to who He is.
What stands out even more is how Jesus uses this authority. He doesn’t use it to dominate or impose His will. Instead, He uses it to liberate. In the synagogue, He confronts a man possessed by an unclean spirit, and with just a command, He frees the man from his torment. Jesus’ authority brings healing, freedom, and restoration. It is not oppressive but life-giving.
The First Reading gives us a deeper understanding of Jesus' authority. It reflects on Psalm 8, which speaks of human dignity and the divine image in humanity. But the author applies this reflection to Jesus, showing that through His incarnation, Jesus chose to set aside His divine authority and become one of us. By His suffering and death, He reclaimed that authority, not for Himself alone, but to share it with us. Through Jesus, we are no longer distant from God; we become His brothers and sisters, heirs to His promise.
Dear friends, this is where we find the true meaning of authority in our lives. Authority, as demonstrated by Jesus, is not about position or control. It is about serving others, lifting them up, and leading them toward freedom and wholeness. Jesus' life teaches us that authority is authentic only when it is exercised with love, humility, and a desire to bring others closer to God.
The world’s concept of authority is often the opposite — it seeks to control, to suppress, and to dominate. We see it in politics, workplaces, and even within families. But this kind of authority suffocates and divides. It creates fear and resentment. Jesus invites us to embrace a different kind of authority — one that liberates, unites, and includes. His authority comes from living a life of authenticity, from practicing what He preached, and from putting love into action.
In our own lives, we are called to exercise this kind of authority. Whether in our families, communities, or workplaces, we have opportunities to influence others. But the question is: Do we do so with humility and love, or do we fall into the trap of asserting power for our own benefit? True authority comes from living a life of integrity — from being consistent in our actions and words, from showing kindness and compassion, and from being willing to serve rather than be served.
Jesus’ authority was inclusive and empowering. He sought out the lost, the marginalized, and the broken. He invited them into a relationship with God, offering them hope and new life. This is the kind of authority we are called to practice — an authority that draws people in, not pushes them away; an authority that heals, not wounds; an authority that reflects God’s love, not human ambition.
As we reflect on today’s readings, let us ask ourselves: How do we use the influence and authority we have in our lives? Do we lift others up, or do we seek to control? Do we live authentically, letting our actions speak louder than our words? And most importantly, do we reflect the authority of Jesus — an authority that liberates, includes, and brings life?
May we learn from Jesus to lead by example, to love without limits, and to serve with humility. And may God help us to exercise true authority — the kind that changes lives, not by force, but by the power of authentic, Christ-like love.
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