Homily for Tuesday of 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle II
Theme: HE EXERCISES AUTHORITY
By: Fr. Gerald Musa
Homily for Tuesday January 11 2022
Authority and power make us influential. However, not many of us can use power and authority constructively, creatively, and charitably. The life of Jesus tells us that authority is meant for service. Jesus exercised authority in speech and actions. He taught as One who had authority (Mark 1:22). He taught with authority means, He communicated accurately, wisely, confidently, clearly, convincingly, and in His own right. In addition to speaking authoritatively, He exercised authority through exorcising evil spirits. He rebuked the evil spirits out of the man with an unclean spirit. Even the evil forces recognized his authority and obeyed him. He exercised authority because he was always connected to God the father. He says, “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). His authority is not a negative oppressive authority. He was actively involved in life-changing interventions which were expressed in charity, compassion, and goodness. Simply put, His mission was to overthrow every force that contradicted and opposed the will of God. He extends his power and authority to those who believe in him. St. John reminds believers about this inner power and authority when he says, “Little children, you are of God, and have overcome them; for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Do we make use of the authority given to us by God in our daily actions and struggles against evil forces?
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Mark 1:21b-28; Tuesday, 1st Week