Authority that Gives Life. Tuesday – First Week of Ordinary Time Mark 1:21-28

In today’s Gospel, people are astonished by Jesus. Not because He is loud. Not because He dominates. But because His authority gives life.

“He teaches as one having authority.”

This authority does not crush—it restores. It does not destroy—it reclaims what is lost.

The Holy One Does Not Destroy – He Restores

When Jesus confronts the unclean spirit, He does not humiliate the man. He addresses what enslaves him.

The evil spirit says:

“I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”

Ironically, the spirit knows Jesus, but wants to keep the man without identity.

Jesus’ intervention is not violence—it is liberation. The man is returned to himself.

This is how God works:

He separates us from what binds us,

He heals what distorts us,

He restores who we truly are.

Evil Distorts Identity – God Restores It

Evil does not always appear dramatic. Often, it hides as:

fear,

addiction,

resentment,

self-hatred,

false self-image.

These voices say:

“You are not worthy,”

“You cannot change,”

“This is who you are.”

Jesus says something different:

“Be free.”

“Be restored.”

“Be alive.”

God’s holiness is creative, not destructive.

He Has Something to Do in Our Life

This Gospel is not about someone else. It is about us.

Jesus enters the synagogue—the place of worship—and acts. Sometimes, the places where we appear religious are also where healing is needed most.

Jesus still asks:

Where are you bound?

What voice controls you?

What keeps you from being whole?

He has something to do in our life—if we allow Him.

Can I Surrender?

Healing requires surrender.

The possessed man does not argue. He does not defend the spirit. He allows Jesus to act.

Surrender means:

letting go of control,

trusting God’s authority,

allowing truth to disturb comfort.

We often want change without surrender. But liberation comes only when we allow Jesus to speak into our chaos.

Authority That Heals

There is a story of a man who carried anger for years. When he finally surrendered it in prayer, he said:

“I didn’t lose myself—I found myself.”

That is God’s way.

Conclusion: The Authority of Love

Today we encounter Jesus, the Holy One of God. Not to frighten us. Not to dominate us. But to restore us.

Let us ask ourselves:

Do I trust God’s authority?

Am I willing to surrender what binds me?

Do I believe He wants my life, not my destruction?

May we allow Jesus to speak with authority in our lives— an authority that heals, restores, and gives life.

Amen.