| Reading 1 | Response | Reading 2 | Gospel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dt 18:15-20 | Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9 | 1 Cor 7:32-35 | Mk 1:21-28 |
| RCL:1 Cor 8:1-13 |
The power and authority of God’s word
During Ordinary time the Lectionary presents stories and teachings from Jesus’ everyday ministry. This week’s readings focus on the power and authority of God’s words and prophets’ words.
First reading (Dt 18:15-20)
The first reading is from Deuteronomy (“second law”), the fifth and final book of Torah. Deuteronomy takes the form four sermons or exhortations by Moses to the Israelites before they enter Canaan. Moses’ instructions provide a panoramic view of Israel’s saga from slavery to freedom, to covenant, and to Canaan. Deuteronomy addresses the community as well as the individual; it calls everyone to respond to God’s laws today.
In today’s pericope, the Deuteronomic author describes Moses’ second “farewell discourse,” in which Moses promises that God will continue to provide the people with prophets and prophetic leaders (“a prophet like me”). Hebrew scripture presents a prophet as one who ensures covenant fidelity and proclaims God’s word (“I will put my words into his mouth”). The Deuteronomic code closely regulates prophets and prophecy. God holds accountable anyone who ignores a prophet (that is, God’s word). God also holds accountable a prophet who speaks God’s word falsely (“he shall die”).
The Lectionary editors chose this reading because God’s promise continue prophecy and prophetic leaders is fulfilled in Jesus, who “teaches with authority.”
Second reading (1 Cor 7:32-35)
The second reading is the third part of a five-week, semi-continuous reading from Paul’s first letter to the Corinth ekklesia. Paul writes to real flesh-and-blood people working out how best to live their faith. Paul teaches disciples to reject any words, actions, or distinctions that disrupt the community’s unity and holiness. Love is the basis and context for community life.
Today’s pericope is part of a longer section in which Paul’s advises virgins, engaged couples, married women, and widows about married life and remaining single. In today’s pericope, Paul frames his recommendations within his understanding of God’s immediate eschatological plan. Paul believes that Jesus will return soon, within Paul’s lifetime. An imminent end time changes the meaning of human experiences and priorities, including marriage. In this context, Paul counsels the unmarried to remain unmarried, so that he or she can concentrate on Jesus’ work (“the Lord’s things,” “how to please the Lord”), rather than worry about “things of the world” and pleasing one’s spouse. Paul is not requiring believers to be celibate (“not to impose a restraint”); he is merely suggesting celibacy for those who wish, so they can serve “the Lord without distraction.”
The Lectionary editors chose this reading to continue Ordinary time’s semi-continuous reading from First Corinthians.
Gospel (Mk 1:21-28)
Mark’s gospel describes Jesus’ “typical day” as he begins his ministry: he teaches authoritatively in a Capernaum synagogue and powerfully exorcises an unclean spirit. People are amazed by what Jesus says and does.
- Teaching with authority. The scribes focused on traditional doctrine, offering opinions about different Hebrew scripture interpretations and handing on traditional Torah interpretations. In contrast, Jesus proclaims that God’s kingdom or reign is near (Mk 1:15). Jesus’ authoritative teaching confirms the Baptizer’s promise about the “coming greater one” (Mk 1:7). Jesus speaks as one who has authority in himself to reveal scripture’s definitive meaning.
- Healing with power. First-century exorcists often used rituals and physical actions to expel demons. These rituals included tricking the demon into revealing his name, gaining the exorcist power over the demon. (In the ancient world, knowing someone’s personal or family name gave another authority over that person.) By contrast, Jesus’ words alone (“Quiet! Come out of him!”) confirm Jesus’ authority and healing power: by word alone Jesus expels the unclean spirit. Jesus’ words and teachings have power or authority because they accomplish what they say (see Is 55:11). Jesus’ powerful and authoritative words have the power to free humans from evil.
Summary and reflection
This week’s readings ask us to think about those who speak with authority and power. Moses promises that God will raise another prophet to speak God’s word to the people. Paul gives his own opinion, not a command, about the best way to serve the Lord free of anxiety and distraction. Jesus teaches with prophetic authority and his words have power to drive out evil.
Words matter, especially when the speaker claims to speak with authority. As today’s readings show, we should test authoritative speakers to ensure that their words align with their actions, and that their words truly free us from evil. How do we recognize and test modern self-identified prophets? Do we automatically grant leaders authority and power because they claim a title or they promise something better? Do we follow only those whose words confirm God’s authoritative words in bringing God’s reign near?
—Terence Sherlock
The Lectionary In Context 