Divine Authority
1 Samuel 1:9-20, 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-8, Mark 1:21-28
In Capernaum, the gospel states that “He taught them as one who had authority.” Authority is the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. For Jesus, authority was for service. He used his authority to set them free. He said to the unclean spirit, “Be silent and come out of him!” We need to use our God-given authority to set others free. As teachers, we need to use our authority to set people free from ignorance; as secular leaders, we need to use our authority to build society and lives.
We all exercise authority one way or another. Either as teachers, preachers, spiritual leaders, political leaders, or guardians In using authority, we easily forget the source of our authority—God himself. This is what has led to the abuses we see today. Some people think that authority is synonymous with shouting, and so you hear things like “your voice is not authoritative.” Many of us think this way.
Beloved, authority does not come from the loudest voice but from the wisest voice. Jesus preached with authority not because he was shouting but because he was communicating wisdom, and the gospel says his teaching made a deep impression on them. You can’t impress people by shouting, but by teaching wisdom.
Lastly, the first reading encourages us to persist in prayer, to be honest and authentic in our communication with God, to trust in His timing, and to respond with gratitude and faithfulness when prayers are answered.
Let us pray
Father, let your light penetrate the hidden places of our hearts. May no sordid desires darken our minds; deliver us from the hands of the infernal spirit. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
