Life Messages

The common theme of today’s readings is divine authority reflected by the prophets of the Old Testament in their messages, by the apostles including St. Paul in the New Testament in their writings and teaching, and by Jesus in his teaching and healing ministry. Today’s tells us that a true prophet speaks with authority because it is God who speaks through him. After the Babylonian exile the Jewish priests began to interpret the words of Moses given in the first reading, namely, "a prophet like me" as referring to one individual, the expected messiah. This is verified in Jesus Christ.

In today’s gospel Mark describes one sample Sabbath day of Jesus’ public life. He joins in public worship in the synagogue as a practicing Jew, he heals the sick, he drives out evil spirits -- and he prays privately. Since anyone could be invited to explain the Holy Scripture in synagogue worship, Jesus was invited. People immediately noticed that Jesus spoke with authority and healed with divine power. Jesus used his real or authentic authority to teach, empower, liberate, and heal others.

No doubt we can think back to people who have made a lasting impression on our lives – either for good or bad. Perhaps it was a grandparent, an uncle, or a parent, who loved us and cared for us.  Perhaps it was a Sunday school teacher who encouraged us in our faith and exerted a positive impact on our lives. Perhaps we remember the kindness as well as the firm discipline that a schoolteacher gave us. On the other hand, there may be people in our past whom we remember with pain and discomfort. Are children learning something from us as parents that will stand them in good stead for the future? We want our children to grow into strong, wise, confident, capable, mature adults. But we want more than that. We want them to grow in their faith, to accept Jesus as their Lord and personal savior. We want children to see in us the love of Jesus and how our Christian faith affects our lives.  A good question for parents, teachers and all of us is:  "In what way am I helping the children I know grow in amazement at Jesus and his love for them? When God's Word and God's ways are taught and spoken about with authority – with conviction – our children (and others) will see with amazement God's love for them in his Son Jesus.

In Honor of St. Blaise:

Lord, hear the prayers of Your martyr Blaise.
Give us the joy of Your peace in this life
and help us to gain the happiness that will never end.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.