Ancient people believed that no human could meet God face-to-face and survive. So, when the Israelites saw the lightning, and heard the thunderings from the mountaintop, they were afraid and asked Moses to be their intermediary with God (Ex 20:18-21). Not only did God speak through Moses, but also promised to send another great prophet like him to bring God’s word to them. Thus, began prophetic tradition.
After four centuries without Israel having a prophet, Jesus appears preaching God’s word. Previously prophets would say, “Thus says the Lord…” And then deliver God’s message. However, Jesus begins his preachings, “I say to you.” When he speaks, his words have power to heal, drive out demons and reveal God’s presence. The people were amazed and recognized Jesus’ uniqueness. After today’s exorcism they exclaim, “What is this? A new teaching with authority.”
Later, when Jesus rises from the dead the disciples will come to realize that Jesus wasn’t just a prophet like Moses, but the very presence of God working powerfully in their midst, doing good for all in need.
Jesus’ authority reaches out to us over the many centuries since he walked the earth. We are still captured by his words. We feel the authority and power of those words to guide and direct us. How are we to hear his words fresh and anew for our lives? God continues to send us new prophets who can help us discern how to apply the teachings of Jesus to the circumstances of our time and our world.
In Mark’s gospel the power of the demons is strong. It will take one more powerful to overcome the evil powers of sin and death. Mark will show throughout his gospel, what people have already recognized: that Jesus brings with him “a new teaching with authority.” He will share with his followers his power to drive out the multitude of unclean spirits that they, and we, meet in the course of our service to our neighbors in his name.
The gospel of Mark begins with Jesus preaching, “The kingdom of God is at hand.” He offers us an invitation to follow him by accepting his person and message. He speaks an authoritative word from God to us and we receive it into our hearts and shape our lives according to it. We need help discerning how we are to live according to what Jesus is now saying to us. It’s the modern prophets, personal to us, or known in the greater world, who help us interpret Jesus’ authoritative word for our place and time.
It’s an appropriate moment to reflect on who are the voices that guide our lives today. Whom do we trust and follow? The Pope? The bishops? President Trump, Dorothy Day? A teacher? A local pastor? A close friend? Whose words and examples shape our minds and consciences to Jesus’ word of authority? Pope Francis calls us to be a church of mercy. Scientists warn us about global devastation of the environment. Women speak up about sexual harassment and abuse, etc. Moses was the prophet for his time and for the needs of his people. Who are the Moses-like prophets for this time with our needs?
We are still in chapter 1 of Mark and Jesus is already revealing his prophetic gifts. After driving out the unclean spirit from the man in the synagogue, the people ask, “What is this? A new teaching with authority.” Like Moses, Jesus will lead his followers to the fulfillment of God’s promises. There is a double focus in today’s story: one on Jesus as an authoritative teacher (vs. 21-22, 27). The other on Jesus’ power over evil spirits (23-26).
Mark refers most frequently to Jesus as teacher, more than Matthew and Luke.
He does this especially when Jesus performs a miracle: the feeding of the hungry; the cure of the epileptic; the calming of the sea. By recognizing his authority the people put him in the lineage of their religious teachers. But his teaching was backed by his actions. He didn’t just speak of God’s love for people — especially sinners and those distressed by evil forces — he backed his words with powerful acts on behalf of those in need.
The people acknowledged Jesus’ powerful and effective teaching, but they didn’t line up behind him and follow him out of the synagogue. They didn’t make a commitment to follow this teacher who showed forth God’s authoritative presence by his teaching and deeds. They didn’t change their lives. They were admirers, but not followers. Which is something a lot of modern people do — admire the “great teacher Jesus” but not follow him.
The man with the unclean spirit cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?” That’s a good question for us to ask ourselves. What changes for the better has Jesus caused in my life? Then, when we realize his authority over our lives has been a guiding and saving light for us, we are ready to give thanks at our Eucharist of Thanksgiving.