Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr B

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr B

28 January 2018

Homily

Today’s Gospel touches on three of Mark’s regular themes – what is called the “messianic secret”, the casting out of evil spirits and authority.

Regularly in Mark, various possessing demons identify Jesus as the messiah. Jesus always tells them to be silent; this is the messianic secret. Jesus tells them to be quiet because it is not yet his time.

The casting of spirits is one of the signs of the messiah, hence why this is significant.

The final point, that of authority, is important in several ways. Firstly, Mark is contrasting Jesus with the scribes and Pharisees. His authority is inborn, not reliant on others.

To whom or what do we give authority in our own lives?

Reflect on how we live – does it seem to show that God is our authority?

There are a number of forces seeking to be the authority in our lives – commercialism, consumerism, greed, fear. These are just a few. There are also love, care for others, a search for justice and fairness.

To whom or what does each of us give authority?

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