Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

 

Jesus wastes no time once he begins his public ministry. The time has come for him to reveal himself to the people in word and deed, which is made evident when he preaches with authority and drives out demons. The great scholars of the time would always refer to the teachings of their predecessors, quoting them in their preaching, but Jesus simply proclaims the Scriptures to the people and announces that he is the fulfillment of God’s message to the Chosen People, a statement that the Scriptures all point to him as Savior and Messiah. Furthermore, since he is the Son of God, he has no need to appeal to what others before him have said. Rather, he speaks from his own authority about the Scriptures and in commanding the demons to disperse. There had been wonder workers and exorcists before, but Jesus performs these signs in more astounding ways than they because he himself is divine.

Reflection by Fr. Victor Schinstock, OSB