February 1, 2015: 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
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. (Mark 1:21-28)
Reflection:
Jesus is just beginning his ministry and when he talks to the people, they can tell that he knows what he is talking about. He touches something inside of them that makes them want to listen. Then he heals the man in need of healing. And the people wonder – What will happen next? What is Jesus all about?
Action:
This week let’s listen carefully to those who speak to us – our family, our teachers, our friends. How is God speaking to us through them?
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Join us for Taizé Prayer
Settle your soul with prayer, simple music, intentional silence and inspirational readings in person or online.
Several days ago, I again became impatient with my 72 year old husband for failing to hear what I said to him. He frequently cannot hear what I say, and he refuses to get a hearing aid. This time he upbraided me for my sharp response to his lack of hearing. I then watched the CNN show about Roger Ebert, whose wife patiently stood by him through his long and harrowing bout with cancer. God was speaking to me both through motivating me to see the CNN episode and my husband’s words. I was being told to treasure my husband’s presence for as long as we’re together, and to develop more patience. I am committed to following this counsel, and so far I have been successful. Not only do I not respond resentfully to his request for me to repeat what I said, but I no longer feel resentful. God is always pulling me forward to be a better person.