Blessèd Blending
“An ordinary person in the pew reflection”
With Jim Dunn
Week-end of January 28th, 2018
Mark 1:21-28
This reading speaks of authority. Our understanding of the word authority today points us towards someone being in charge and you’d better watch your step !…. Or someone in authority is out to put you in your place. It also has a sense of fear and caution and separates those who are the underlings from an overbearing boss! Haven’t we all been there?
In Mark we find Jesus teaching in the synagogue with authority. He seems to be speaking on his own not referencing others as support for his words. Scribes would use quotes or segments from previously spoken Rabbinic lessons or well- known sayings to authenticate their message. Jesus, being the Word of God himself, spoke with the definite use of the word “I”. In other words, his authority was the kind that said, “the buck stops here” to coin a familiar phrase. They were dealing with God, ruler of everything.
When the man with the unclean spirit challenged Jesus, he seemed to recognize the authority before him, telling him, “I know who you are”! Is this not a call for help as if he were asking the very One he knew could rid him of his pain.
In December, I had a colonoscopy which revealed a growth that was not expected. The Doctor sent me to a surgeon to discuss the next step. When the surgeon looked at all the notes and test results, his first words were, “this is nasty, it has to come out” I looked at him as someone with authority, someone who could take away this ugly little thing that was threatening my well-being. I trusted he could help me. He simply dealt with the problem decisively when it arose and used his medical authority to serve me. He didn’t expect me to fall all over him with thanks and praise for his ability to bring me to wholeness. In fact, when I left his office, he shook my hand and said, “God bless”
Do we not see the same with Jesus in this reading and many others? He serves, he helps, he saves, he shows mercy. He deals with situations as they occur without judgement. His authority is not to be feared but respected and believed. We need only to ask.
REFLECTION
What are our personal difficulties or nasty things that keep us enslaved or unwell and need to be removed in order to keep us whole? Can we recognize God’s authority in making us well?
P.S. I was declared well with no further complications on January 23rd. Blessèd Blending recognizes a God who is involved in every aspect of one’s life.
Jim Dunn
Blessèd Blending
January 24, 2018