January 28, 2018 –4th Sunday in Ordinary Time(Cycle B, Year II)

Community Word:Jesus Christ is the Light that leads us to the Truth.

Theme:We are led to the truth when we speak God’s word with authority.

Promise: “I will raise up for them a prophet…and will put my words into his mouth; he shall tell them all that I command him.”(Dt 18:18)

Reflection:
In the gospel of Mark, people are often amazed at Jesuswith His powerful preaching – “a new teaching with authority” (Mk 1:27). Jesus connected His teachings closely with His miracles. The miracles point to the strength of both His teachings and His personal declarations. He never directly claimed to be the Son of God, but this aspect of His preaching showed His subtle way of revealing Himself. His words are powerful, striking and effective – the Word of God in person. His words are potent statements that change the lives of people. This is expressed in our community word for this month: Jesus Christ is the Light who leads us to the Truth.

Jesus taught with authority, not only because He is God but because His words are always accompanied by His deeds, and His deeds are always consistent with His words. How far are we from the examples of Jesus? Our words are rendered meaningless because too often they are not matched by action. And sometimes, we act opposite to what we say and preach. But our words can be made powerful only if we live in it and by it, if we truly give witness to the power to serve, love and heal. We become the living and truthful instruments of Jesus in His works. Let us remember we have a God-given responsibility to live in a manner that will allow others to see Christ in us. As the body of Christ, we are His hands and His mouthpiece.

Our theme for the week says: We are led to the truth when we speak God’s word with authority. What inspires us is the fact that, by God’s grace, this authority can be given to anyone. A specific kind of education or status in life is not required for this. But whoever does what he says by that very fact becomes an authority. We too can teach with authority when we accept the teachings of Jesus and carry them out in our lives. When we do so, we are true to our calling as Christians, to be become witnesses of Jesus Christ. Like the disciples, they inherited the power of His words as they learned and were inspired by the Greatest Teacher. As modern-day disciples, we seek and hold on to the truth and so we are teachers in our own way.

Let us gain strength from the love, encouragement and wisdom that Jesus brings into our lives. We can be certain that our existence is meaningful in fulfilling God’s purpose by His word. As written by one writer: “If through one man’s life, there is little more light and truth in the world, then he will not have lived in vain.” We do exactly what Jesus has commanded us to do – to proclaim the true message of the gospel to as many people as possible. We offer others the trustworthy words of the Holy Scripture and the reason of our faith.

We have the power to be bold and to experience the indwelling presence of God through His word. When God’s Spirit is at work through us, we will accomplish the goals He helps us to set. No matter how complicated or impossible the task may seem, God provides exactly what we need. His assurance for doing His work is what the promise for this week declares – “I will raise up for them a prophet… and will put my words into his mouth; he shall tell them all that I command him.” (Dt 18:18)

Prayer:
Almighty Father, thank you for imparting to us and in us Your authority behind Your word, allowing us to experience it in our life as we share Your truth with others. By Your Spirit, continue to grant us Your teaching ability for the benefit of Your people. All these for Your greater glory. Amen.

Reflection Questions:
1. How does the authority of God’s Wordempower me in my daily life?

2. As a Christian believer, in what ways can I declare the Word of God with authority?

This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
January 28, 2018 (Sun)- Dt 18:15-20/ Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9/ 1Cor 7:32-35/ Mk 1:21-28
January 29, 2018 (Mon) – 2Sm 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13/ Ps 3:2-7/ Mk 5:1-20
January 30, 2018 (Tue) – 2Sm 18:9-10, 14, 35-25, 30; 19:1-3/ Ps 86:1-6/ Mk 5:21-43
January 31, 2018 (Wed) – 2Sm 24:2, 9-17/ Ps 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7/ Mk 6:1-6
February 1, 2018 (Thu) – 1Kg 2:1-4, 10-12/ 1Ch 19:10-12/ Mk 6: 7-13
February 2, 2018 (Fri) – Mal 3:1-4/ Ps 24:7-10/ Heb 2:14-18/ Lk 2:22-40
February 3, 2018 (Sat) –1Kg 3:4-13/ Ps 119:9-14/ Mk 6:30-34

“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”