The word authority comes from the Latin word auctor, which means a someone who originates and creates. It is also link with the word augere, which refers to causing or making something grow or increase.
In today’s gospel, our Lord Jesus Christ makes the devil come out of the man and he spoke with authority, although he did not hold any position in the community like the scribes, chief priests and the Romans. What kind of authority does Jesus has, and where does he get it?
Jesus has authority because His teachings were not limited to commenting the Law, rather He gives a new meaning to the word of God. Likewise, He supported His words with deeds and good examples unlike the Pharisees and Roman authorities during His time.
As Piarists religious and lay, we are invited to follow the authoritative words and teachings of Jesus by practicing authority through good examples. A person with real authority walks what he or she talks. He or she likewise cares about other people and not just his or her own concerns.
Likewise, we are asked to emulate the example of St. Joseph Calasanz. We need to create a new environment of love and joy for the children and youth entrusted to us. Our duty is to cast out the evil spirits of pride and indifference. By these we can gain authority like our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sunday, | Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mk 1, 21-28: Unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority
Then they came to Capernaum, and on the sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.
In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, «What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!»
Jesus rebuked him and said, «Quiet! Come out of him!»
The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, «What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.»
His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.
Br. JOHN MICHAEL O. DION
Piarist
John Michael hails from the Diocese of Tarlac, Philippines. He is a Psychology graduate, joined the Piarist Fathers in 2012. He took Philosophy units at the Rogationist Seminary and Certificate for Professional Education at the University of San Carlos in Cebu City. In 2020, he finished his Bachelor in Sacred Theology and Master of Arts in Pastoral ministry, specialized in Spirituality and Retreat Direction at the Loyola School of Theology – Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines. Currently, he is assigned at Calasanz de Davao Community, working as a subject teacher for Philippine history, World Religions, Applied Social Sciences, and Religious Studies at Calasanz de Davao Academy, Inc.