Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

In today’s first reading, God raised prophets from among the people of Israel. The reason for this is because the people believed that God is so awesome that if they either saw or heard God directly, they would not live. Thus God chose prophets who spoke with authority on behalf of God. Moses was one such prophet. (It is interesting to note that he did not cross over into the Promised Land because he was “disobedient” to God (Numbers 20 13). In the NT, it is not God’s awe but God’s solidarity with humanity that is stressed. But there too Jesus raises disciples and apostles to exercise His authority. Paul understands Jesus intentions really well. He was one of those who delivered. Over the past two weeks we have been hearing weird things from Paul. For example, last week we heard him say, “From now on, let those having wives act as not having them, those weeping as not weeping, those rejoicing as not rejoicing…” (1Cor 7:29-30). This week he clearly emphasizes the celibate life “for the sake of propriety and adherence to the Lord without distraction” (1Cor 7:35).

Paul proposes such a life style because his generation believed in the immediate second coming of Christ. In comparison to the coming of Christ they found every other pursuit futile.

Today, we are not compelled to take Paul literally on his views of marriage. But if we are invited to the same radical commitment no matter what our state of life. The practical implication, then, is this: If I can combine the authority that Christ gives me with the single minded commitment of Paul, then my life, my life in my family, my participation in the life of this community will be radically different. My attitude toward the world, my finances, my job, my future will probably all change.

That brings us back to the gospel reading. In today’s episode, Jesus used his authority to confront evil or the Evil One and bring healing and freedom to those oppressed by evil. Through the authority that comes from a radical obedience to God and genuine compassion we too must overthrow darkness by light, death by life, sin by grace.

- Fr. Satish Joseph