Message of Abbot Paul - Tuesday 10th January 2023

I apologise, but I’ll be brief today, as yesterday was a particularly busy day and today looks to be even busier. We can always learn to be more patient. Yesterday I spoke of the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, his preaching and the call of the first disciples. Following on from that, Mark tells us that Jesus made Capernaum the centre of his activity and that it was here that he began teaching in the synagogue on the sabbath day, (Mk 1: 21-28). “Jesus and his disciples went as far as Capernaum, and as soon as the sabbath came he went to the synagogue and began to teach. And his teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority.” However, Mark tells us something else, something of immense interest and importance, that his teaching makes a deep impression on his hearers, for he teaches with authority, unlike the scribes or doctors of the law. From the start, people note the difference and realise that there is something very special about Jesus.

 

​Jesus then reveals his authority over unclean spirits by healing a possessed man who was in the congregation. The spirit recognises Jesus to be “the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebukes the spirit, saying, “Be quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit obeys the command of Jesus, which leaves the people astonished and asking what it all means. “Here is a teaching that is new and with authority behind it: he gives orders even to unclean spirits and they obey him.” Jesus’ teaching is new, for he accomplishes in deed what he says in word. We are witnessing a new creation, where men and women are recreated in the image and likeness of God.