Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
Readings: Deuteronomy 18:15-20; First Corinthians 7:32-35; Mark 1:21-28
In the Gospel text for this Sunday Jesus is in the synagogue of Capernaum and openly confronts evil, casting out an unclean spirit dwelling in a man. There were onlookers there as well who witnessed the dramatic event and were in awe over the change brought about by Jesus’ action on behalf of the possessed man.
By the power behind his words: “Be quiet! Come out of the man,” Jesus overcame the evil spirit and restored the man to health and freedom from bondage.
The event recounted in Mark 1:21-28 could be seen as an isolated historical moment in the life of Jesus of Nazareth, who encounters a man possessed by an unclean spirit and cures him. Clearly the evangelist Saint Mark intends us to glean something more than that, though.
The casting out of demons and other healings by Jesus which we find recounted throughout the Gospel narratives were understood in the early Church, and thus included in the Gospel accounts, as profound manifestations of the universal saving mission of Jesus Christ for the benefit of the entire human race.
The cure in this Sunday’s Gospel and in other places as well, demonstrates Jesus’ desire to bring spiritual wholeness and eternal life to all peoples, not just a few or even many. Some may in fact resist or reject that gift, but it is offered to everyone nonetheless.
What is contrary to God’s ways, understood as the power of evil and sin, is still alive and active in our world today. The power of Jesus is needed today as much as ever to overcome the devil. As in the time of the Lord, the struggle between good and evil is played out in human lives, ever in need of God’s grace.
We need God’s saving help which we believe is to be found in Jesus the Redeemer, who possesses the power to restore to wholeness those who are being swayed along a way that is contrary to God’s. As Saint James expressed it his letter, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God , and God will draw near to you” (James 4:7).
Looking again at the Gospel passage for this Sunday, the evil spirit confronted in the synagogue clearly recognized and feared Jesus and his divine power. From the depths of the possessed man the evil spirit cried out: “Have you come to destroy us?” and furthermore, “I know who you are–the Holy One of God.” That is precisely who Jesus is, and even the demons recognize this fact.
Many times those who have fallen from the path of good and sided with evil are reluctant or terrified of changing to another course of action. Change is painful and even what is recognized as the right path can be difficult to realize. Those who fear need to listen to God’s word, calling for conversion each and every day. That is an important Benedictine vow, conversion of life, meaning that we are willing to start anew each day, since yesterday is gone, tomorrow has not yet come, and really all we have is the present.
Applying all this to our personal lives, we may not find ourselves far off the track, but are being asked to belong completely to God, without compromise, and giving our lives in loving service of God and neighbor. Saint Paul in the second lesson this Sunday describes his own teachings as designed to promote this, or as he calls it, “what will help you to devote yourself entirely to the Lord,” (First Corinthians 7:35). This is the goal of every genuine follower of Jesus Christ.
Fear can inhibit or prevent our accepting the presence of God in our midst, so we need to hear those important words often found in the Gospels, “Do not be afraid.” That is the message our God desires us to hear, so that we can go forward without spiritual paralysis that causes us to do nothing or to do what is contrary to God’s will.
Clearly Jesus had real regard for the unnamed person he met in the synagogue who was possessed by an unclean spirit. Jesus saw and loved the man inflicted and desired to set him free. By extension Jesus sees and loves each of us as individuals, in need of salvation, the fullness of life.
Jesus brings the world freedom from bondage to sin and eternal death by his own death and rising to life. As a result of these saving events all of us are offered true freedom, happiness and consolation in the depths of our being and for all eternity.
After healing the man we are told that the others in the synagogue were amazed. The Greek word Saint Mark uses is closer to our English word, “astounded,” an even stronger sense of awe at what Jesus brought about in curing the possessed man. What amazed or astounded the people was the “new teaching in a spirit of authority,” as Saint Mark expresses it.
It was not just words but results coming from the words that Jesus spoke, clearly possessing divine origin and authority. A great teacher speaks, but one who is both God and man. God’s word transforms and is able to transform us as well.
Fr Christian Leisy, OSB
Monastery of Christ in the Desert
Abiquiu, New Mexico
