Dt 18:15-20 | Ps 95 | 1 Cor 7:32-35 | Mk 1:21-28
Authority becomes a major theme in Jesus’ presence among his initial followers. The authority that Jesus possesses within his heart, actions, and voice flood the consciences of the people who encounter him, and they are more than attentive. They are astonished by such a sound of love, and a presence that seems more than just human. They are drawn to Jesus as a person, who knows his own identity. Authority overflows from him, and the hearers of his words have never witnessed a more solid, loving, and meaningful life than that of the man named Jesus.
The authority that emerges in these opening weeks of Ordinary Time truly rests within our hearts as well. We share the same desire as those who first heard Jesus. We want him to fill us with awe and hope—not only for ourselves but for others.
Our baptism is the source of such healing love, such authority on the earth. We are given the Holy Trinity as the basis of our lives that we, too, may work for justice in a strangely dangerous world. Our authority in voice and action comes from stirring again our baptism on earth. We have much to accomplish: healing the divisions of hatred; establishing hope for our children; ministering to and journeying beside the divorced, widowed, and incarcerated. Our lives are given the grace of God in the waters of our baptism so that we may build up the Church and find consolation in our human heart. Our work begins first in our prayer. Our common efforts to become the Church of healing begins with listening to Jesus Christ, whose authority is rich, loving, and wise.
People ache for new life and healing. If we desire to change our lives in this new year, perhaps we should explore the gift of our own integrity. Perhaps, you and I can learn once again to surrender to Jesus Christ, to give him all that we have and all we hope to become. Within the Church today, we need believers, yes; however, we also need people who believe that we can live out our faith in deep and wonderous integrity. Integrity of thought, action, and service is difficult to come by.
Genuine authority echoes deeply in our human hearts with an energy and conviction that only Jesus can sustain. Striving for such authority is God-given. In many instances, authority arrives in our human heart only after years of working through strife and loss and practicing our real desire for God alone.
When we get out of our own way, we may discover the true and ancient authority of Jesus Christ made new in our own hearts and in our generation. God’s love is generous and outpouring. God’s fidelity is for all who long for hope. God’s authority is constantly being made known in those who speak the truth and who work for a just and loving world.
When the world finally looks the way God intended, we will all be astonished in the glow of God’s tenderness and mercy, as well as those who hopefully perceive Christ in us.