Reflection for January 13 Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 1:21-28

Gospel: Mark 1:21-28

Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he 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.

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Reflection:

Do we know how to use the power of the authority entrusted to us?

All of us, in one way or another, have been given a certain measure of authority—at home, in our work, in our communities, and in our relationships. Parents, in particular, are given a built-in authority over their children. Yet, over time, we see how this authority can slowly lose its strength and influence, especially when we are not faithful and responsible in exercising it.

When we fail to lead by example, when we do not practice what we preach, and when we do not know how to correct with love and discipline, our authority gradually loses its power.

Deep in our hearts, perhaps we all carry a hidden desire to be in control, to be listened to, to have influence. Who among us does not want to be heard? Who among us does not want to matter? Yet, when we do not know how to use authority properly, it can become like a time bomb—something that can wound others, and eventually, destroy us as well.

So how should we use the authority entrusted to us? We are called to use it with temperance, gentleness, and humility. We are not meant to wield it for power-tripping or arrogance, but to make it an instrument of love, healing, and guidance.

When we look at Jesus, we see the perfect model. He spoke with authority, yet His authority was always clothed in mercy and humility. Though He had power and dominion over all, He never used it for selfish or proud reasons. Instead, He used His authority to gently heal the wounded, to patiently guide the lost and the confused, and to restore hope to hearts that were close to giving up.

As followers of Christ, we are invited to examine our own hearts. When we are given authority—whether as parents, leaders, teachers, or simply as persons who influence others—do we use it to build up or to tear down? Do we use it to serve or to be served?

Are we using the authority entrusted to us as the Lord uses His—with humility, mercy, and love—or are we using it to satisfy our pride and desire for control? – Marino J. Dasmarinas