O God, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright; Grant to us such strength and protection, as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

FAITH IN FOCUS: ON WHOSE AUTHORITY?

There are two types of authority. One type goes with the job. Most people do what they are asked when approached by a police officer because they recognise that this person carries a certain authority. This authority demands that people obey it. It’s the same type of authority that a teacher might claim over the pupils or students in a school. Or maybe it’s your boss at work who demands this authority, and it’s better to knuckle under than to lose your job.

The second type of authority is one that is earned. We might agree that a particular politician carries a good deal of authority because of their track record. They’ve earned the respect. You might choose to send your child to a piano teacher because he or she has a reputation for bringing out the best in those they teach. Footballers may hold their manager in esteem not because he has the power to sack them but because he knows what he’s talking about and has won shed-loads of cups and trophies.

From the outset of his gospel St Mark points out that Jesus spoke with authority. The authority he had was the type that he earned because of what he said. He knew what he was talking about, and in today’s reading people comment on how what he says and does seems to make sense. Even spirits obey him.

Strangely, the word "authority" in Latin is connected with the word that means to "grow". If a person has true authority then what they teach makes people grow; it improves the situation; it makes things better.

When people heard Jesus preaching they saw that what he taught was not some code of rules and regulations but was a message that improved people’s situation. He cured people, set their minds at rest, forgave them, lifted them up, gave them back their self-esteem and set them on the path that leads to happiness. He offered them something that made sense in the here and now and which beckoned them to a future of eternal happiness.

That was the basis of his authority and that’s why people who heard his message followed him. And it’s the only reason why today we still do.

WORD OF GOD

Here is a teaching that is new and with authority behind it. (Mark 1:27)

THE WISEST have the most authority. (Plato)

PRESENTATION (February 2nd)

Jewish parents had to "buy back" their first-born son from the Lord to whom he belonged. This was done on the 40th day after his birth by offering two turtle doves or a pair of pigeons and, by so doing, the mother was ritually purified after giving birth. This is what is being celebrated on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. But when Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple they met two elderly people, Anna and Simeon. It was these two characters who publicly confirmed what Mary and Joseph had known in the secret of their hearts: that this child was no ordinary baby but one destined to be a light for the nations, to save many and to be responsible for delivering God’s people

WORD FOR TODAY

Today’s gospel reminds us that the teaching of Jesus is not simply one path among many, one philosophy that might work for some but not for others. It is a teaching that has authority behind it, for it contains the word of God. It is the message of eternal life.

THIS WEEK’S BIBLE READINGS

Mon (PRESENTATION OF CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE): Malachi 3:1-5, Hebrews 2:14-end, S. Luke 2:22-40

Tues: Hosea 10, 1 Cor 13, Matthew 27:27-44

Wed: Hosea 11:1-11, 1 Cor 14:1-19, Matt 27:45-56

Thurs: Hosea 11:12 - 12:end, 1 Cor 14: 20-end, Matt 27:57-end

Fri : Hosea 13:1-14, 1 Cor 16: 1-9, Matt 28:1-15

Sat: Hosea 14, 1 Cor 16: 10-end, Matt 28:16-end

NEXT SUNDAY Isaiah 40: 21-end, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, S. Mark 1: 29-39