Gospel: «May you listen to his voice today».
On this fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are confronted with the characteristics proper to prophethood and, in turn, with the authority that Jesus possesses because he is the Son of God. We observe the balance he shows between what he is, what he thinks and what he does.
First Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:32-35
Gospel: Mark 1:21-28
First Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-20
The reading from Deuteronomy contains the words of Moses addressed to the people of Israel. Moses communicates the divine promise to raise up a prophet like himself among the Israelites. Many Christians see this prophecy as a messianic reference to Jesus Christ, the supreme prophet and mediator between God and humanity. This passage reminds us of the importance of being attentive to divine guidance in our lives, to listen and follow the teachings God gives us through various means, including the Scriptures and those He raises up as messengers. The warning about the false prophet highlights the importance of discerning between God’s authentic messengers and those who seek to deceive. In a world full of different voices and messages, it is vital to seek God’s truth and guidance, remaining faithful and avoiding being deceived by flashy and strange doctrines.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:32-35
In the reading from Corinthians, the apostle Paul shares his advice about marital status and how to live a life focused on serving God. He stresses that those who are not married can devote more time and energy to the things of the Lord rather than dividing their attention between family responsibilities and the cares of the world. Paul does not dismiss marriage, but highlights how singleness allows for a more focused approach to serving God. This text invites us to consider the importance of our priorities in life and to seek the right balance between our daily responsibilities and our commitment to God, whether in marriage or singleness. The key lies in how we use our lives to honor God and serve others in the best possible way.
Gospel
«This teaching with authority is new!» (Mk 1:27).
The beginning of Jesus’ public life highlights the authority with which he teaches, heals and expels what disturbs human life. His teachings break with the traditional prototypes of the laws and the methods of the scribes. Jesus uses a colloquial pedagogical method, but full of authority, not only because he is the Son of God, but also because of the balance he manifests in his thought and actions.
Teaching entails sacrifice, balance, perseverance, witness, research and, especially, living according to the Gospel. Jesus, the great teacher, taught with divine and human authority. His teachings made sense because of the balance manifested in his life.
Fruit:
Ask the Lord to enable you to teach with your life the values of the Gospel and to expel with the experience of faith all that torments the soul.
S. Johanna Andrea Cifuentes Gómez, tc