Tuesday January 13th: Restoring dignity and freedom

“…as one who had authority.”

Mark 1: 21-28

As I sit to write this reflection, the world feels awash with statements about authority—who has it, who is losing it, who is asserting it over whom. World leaders jostle for dominance across geopolitical spheres, and I suspect it was not very different in Jesus’ time, with Rome and rival powers shaping daily life.
It is into such a world—then and now—that St Mark tells us the people were amazed. They questioned among themselves, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He even commands unclean spirits, and they obey him” (Mk 1:27). Their amazement invites our own deeper question: Who truly has authority in my life?
Authority is a curious word to associate with Jesus. The dictionary speaks of power, control, and enforced obedience. Yet Jesus’ authority does not crush or coerce. He does not dominate; He liberates. His authority flows through love, mercy, and compassion, restoring dignity and freedom.
In a world crowded with voices demanding obedience, it is a wise and life-giving choice to allow Jesus—gentle, healing, and truthful—to be the true authority of our lives.