HOMILY FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

 

THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS vs. THE AUTHORITY OF THE SCRIBES

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Readings: Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1Corinthians 7:32-35, Mark 1:21b-28

 

One of the themes in the gospel according to St. Mark is the nature of Jesus’ authority (exousia) as a prophet. One of the passages where the authority of Jesus is discussed by St. Mark is in our gospel reading of this fourth Sunday (Mark 1:21b-28). The story has is that one Sabbath day, Jesus entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his preaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. Here, the authority with which Jesus taught the people is contrasted with that of the scribes.

The scribes are scholars who interpret and teach the Law and render binding judgments regarding its application. However, unlike the scribes, Jesus teaches with personal authority. The authority of Jesus (unlike that of the scribes) is based neither on his credentials nor his ability to cite precedents, but on the spirit that descended on him on the day of his baptism (Mark 1:10). Jesus is the Son of God (1:1); he spoke in God’s name and his authority comes from God.

In the first reading (Deut. 18:15-20), Moses told the Israelites that the Lord their God would raise up from among them, a prophet who will speak in the name of God. This prophecy came to fulfillment in the gospel reading of today. Jesus is that prophet promised by God. Jesus does not communicate the word of God the way the rabbis used to; his message is new and he proclaims it with authority.  The authority of Jesus is expressed through his words (teaching) and actions (healing power). This is because the teaching authority and the healing authority of Jesus are inseparable. His teaching authority prepares us to receive his healing authority while his healing authority confirms and reinforces his teaching ministry.

Dear friend, our today’s reflection affords us the opportunity to look at the issues of prophecy and authority. On prophecy, every prophet is chosen and raised by God. No prophet speaks in his name but in the name and authority of God. But today, we have many self-acclaimed prophets who speak their own words and in their own authority. Jesus is the prophet per excellence. A prophet speaks with authority. He does not speak to please the audience or for clout.

On authority and power: We know too well that in our time, authority and power are so much abused by those who wield them. Authority has become an instrument of oppression and suppression. Let us bear in mind that Jesus used his authority not to obtain power for himself but to serve humanity. Jesus’ acting on authority brought succor and blessings to the people- health and healing to the man possessed by an unclean spirit (Mark 1:23-28). As one in a position of authority, are you like Jesus or are you imitating the scribe’s style of authority? Jesus’ authority is not the authority that crushes but the one that makes you flourish. Jesus exercises his divine authority for our eternal good. As parents, teachers, leaders and so on, let us always imitate Jesus’ style of leadership and use our positions of authority to serve the needs of those under us.