Gospel: Mk 1:21-28
They went into the town of Capernaum and Jesus taught in the synagogue on the Sabbath day. The people were astonished at the way he taught, for he spoke as one having authority, and not like the teachers of the law.
It happened that, a man with an evil spirit was in their synagogue, and he shouted, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: you are the Holy One of God.” Then Jesus faced him and said with authority, “Be silent, and come out of this man!” The evil spirit shook the man violently and, with a loud shriek, came out of him.

All the people were astonished, and they wondered, “What is this? With what authority he preaches! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him!” And Jesus’ fame spread throughout all the country of Galilee.

Lectio Divina
Read: A prophet carries great responsibility to communicate not his or her mind, but the mind of the Lord; and the people are expected to be attentive to such a discerning prophet. Everyone has a prophetic call and duty in his or her given station of life wherein one must remain united to the Lord, free from anxieties. Jesus was such a prophet par excellence and so recognized and obeyed even by evil spirits.
Reflect: Jesus preached with such authenticity and authority that even the evil spirits recognized his identity and obeyed him. His authenticity and authority were derived from his having been perfectly attuned to the Father in his total being so much so when he spoke, it was the communication of the very thoughts of the Father. He is a wonder¬ful model for us to imitate in becoming what Paul invites us to do: to be entirely united to the Lord. It helps us to be prophets in our own given/chosen walks of life.
Pray: Lord, keep me united to you so that my heart thinks your thoughts, my lips speak your words, and my hands do your work.
Act: Spend 30 minutes in mindful listening to the Lord.