The Holy One of God

January 31, 2021, Sunday 

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Green)

PRO-LIFE SUNDAY

CYCLE B - YEAR I

RDGS: DT 18:15-20/ PS 95:1-2. 6-7. 7-9/ 1 COR 7:32-35

GOSPEL: MK 1:21-28

Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, 

and on the sabbath he 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.

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

In driving out devils Jesus shows that in the reign of God there is no room for oppressive evil forces which weigh down on God’s children. No one should have to live in hell. Jesus is in agony until the end of the world, standing with us against all forms of addiction, exploitation, violence and abuse.

Jesus, from the start of your ministry you reveal how the gift of power is to be expressed: not in dominance but in healing service. In what way do I exercise my power and authority?

PRAYER:

Lord, I am faced with a world filled with violence, greed, hunger and evil. I struggle to believe that you have overcome evil. Help me to see that you are at work in the small signs of love, justice and truth around me.