The first chapter of Mark’s gospel is packed with action. Mark opens his gospel with the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. In this one chapter he covers the ministry of John the Baptist, the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, the temptation of Jesus in the dessert, John’s arrest, Jesus calling his first disciples, Jesus announcing his mission and Jesus launching his mission. This Sunday and for the next two Sundays the gospel covers the first full day of Jesus in active ministry, Mark 1:21-45.
Given Jesus’ mission to bring “the good news” to people (Mark 1:1); it makes sense that he begins his work on the Sabbath in a synagogue, the primary place where local people gathered for community prayer and to hear and study scripture. And on the first day of his ministry, the first thing Jesus does is teach. He does not teach like the scribes who were experts on Mosaic Law found in the Torah. Jesus teaches with personal authority, authority given to him by God. Mark does not tell us exactly what Jesus taught in that synagogue in Capernaum. However, he does tell us that the impact of Jesus’ teaching was profound. Jesus, like Moses in the first reading from Deuteronomy 18:15-20, spoke the words God “put into his mouth.” These words were so powerful that the people around him were compelled to listen. Even an “unclean spirit” recognized the power and authority of his message. Then Jesus exorcised the unclean spirit.
This is the pattern we see over and over again in Jesus’ ministry. He preaches, he confronts evil and he heals people. He also takes time out to revive himself through prayer. Jesus taught the people of his day and he teaches us by his words, actions and example, guiding us all to the Kingdom his Father has prepared for us. It is our responsibility to listen, open our hearts, believe and acknowledge “our God, whose people we are, God's well-tended flock” (Psalm 95:7).
Father in heaven,
From the days of Abraham and Moses
Until this gathering of your Church in prayer,
You have formed a people in the image of your Son.
Bless this people with the gift of your kingdom.
May we serve you with our every desire
And show love for one another
Even as you have loved us.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
