GOSPEL
Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd
and Doubleday & Company Inc.
Jesus and his followers went as far as Capernaum, and as soon as the Sabbath came Jesus went to the synagogue and began to teach. And his teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority.
In their synagogue just then there was a man possessed by an unclean spirit, and it shouted, ‘What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus said sharply, ‘Be quiet! Come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and with a loud cry went out of him. The people were so astonished that they started asking each other what it meant. ‘Here is a teaching that is new’ they said, ‘and with authority behind it: he gives an order even to unclean spirits and they obey him.’ And his reputation rapidly spread everywhere, through all the surrounding Galilean countryside.
(Mark 1:21–28)
DID YOU KNOW?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
- In the ancient world, many forms of mental illness were attributed to being possessed by ‘evil spirits’.
- In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus is often presented in confrontational situations with evil spirits, with the Jewish authorities and even with his own disciples when they fail to understand who he is and what his mission entails.
- This text shows that where absolute good is, evil cannot remain.
EXPLORING THE WORD
This is the first of the miracles of Jesus recounted in Mark’s Gospel and it is a significant introduction to the person of Jesus and the power he possesses. Only a few verses earlier, at his baptism, Jesus had been revealed as the beloved Son of God. In this short text, Mark contrasts Jesus and the authority of his teaching with that of the scribes. Jesus teaches in such a way that he makes a deep impression on his hearers. Clearly, this is because his authority and his wisdom come from God. While his human audience may still be unclear as to the true identity of Jesus, this is not the case with his ‘other-worldly’ audience: the unclean spirits know exactly who Jesus is—the Holy One of God—and they recognise his authority and obey his command. They know that the power of the Almighty is greater than the power of the evil one.
- In what ways today do we see evidence of the ‘power of evil’? How are people held captive by this power in our world?
- In what ways can we speak and act with the spirit of Jesus against the evil we encounter?
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Opportunties for group discussion and personal prayer
- ‘What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth?’ What does Jesus want of you at this point in your life?
- ‘I know who you are: the Holy One of God.’ Is it difficult for you to make this claim? Who do you think Jesus is?
- Recall someone who made a deep impression on you. What were the qualities of that person that so impressed and drew you to them? Was there a quiet authority? Was it a charismatic presence? Share your recollections and reflection with others.
- Jesus challenged the evil that oppressed people in his time. This week, speak out, publicly or privately, against oppression or an evil in our world. Confront evil at all levels this week, wherever you may encounter it. Become part of lifting the burden from others.
- Use today’s entrance antiphon as your prayer this week:
Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from the nations, to give thanks to your holy name and make it our glory to praise you.
SHARING THE TRADITION
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God's word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
In the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, the catechetical process is often begun or concluded with a ‘prayer of exorcism’. Our understanding of what is meant by this term may be clouded by ‘Hollywood’ representations of casting out demonic possessors. The Rite itself suggests that the prayers of exorcism ‘draw the attention of the catechumens to the real nature of Christian life, the struggle between flesh and spirit, the importance of self-denial for reaching the blessedness of God’s Kingdom, and the unending need for God’s help’ (§90).
The question of how a good and gracious God can allow the existence of evil in the world is one that has been debated for centuries.
- You could explore a scriptural response to this question—for example, using the Book of Job or some of the texts from the Wisdom literature.
- The Catechism of the Catholic Church provides a Catholic Christian exploration of how evil is understood within the tradition.
- You could lead the discussion towards an understanding of the personal responsibility each one has in responding to evil where we encounter it.
- You could examine some of the prayers of exorcism from the Rite. Analyse the prayers to discern what they are really leading the catechumens towards.
SYMBOLS AND IMAGES
Illness is frequently used in the gospels as a symbol of the state in which all human beings find themselves. Spiritually, all of us are somehow afflicted. The healing of the sick and afflicted is a sign of how Jesus can liberate people from all that burdens them. This is not to suggest that suffering will magically disappear, but that Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
LIVING THE WORD
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
- In what ways does the Church confront evil today? How does your community support those efforts?
- Use an image of Jesus as a focus for prayer. Pray for the world to be delivered from evil. Pray for each other in your search for goodness and holiness. A suitable song could be ‘Be not afraid’ (GA 449). Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94C.