＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Hebrews 2:5-12

 The angels were not given dominion

Over the new world of which we are speaking. Instead someone declared in Scripture: What is man, that you should be mindful of him, what is the son of man that you should care for him? For a while you placed him a little lower than the angels, but you crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over all things.

When it is said that God gave him dominion over all things, nothing is excluded. As it is, we do not yet see his dominion over all things. But Jesus who suffered death and for a little while was placed lower than the angels has been crowned with honor and glory. For the merciful plan of God demanded that he experience death on behalf of everyone.

 God, from whom all come and by whom all things exist, wanted to bring many children to glory, and he thought it fitting to make perfect through suffering the initiator of their salvation. So he who gives and those who receive holiness are one. He himself is not ashamed of calling us brothers and sisters, as we read: Lord, I will proclaim your name to my brothers; I will praise you in the congregation.

 

Ps 8:2ab & 5, 6-7, 8-9

You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

Mark 1:21-28

 They went into the town of Capernaum and Jesus be­gan to teach in the synagogue during the sabbath assem­blies. The people were astonished at the way he taught, for he spoke as one having authority and not like the teachers of the Law.

 It happened that a man with an evil spirit was in their syna­gogue and he shouted, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: You are the Holy One of God.” Then Jesus faced him and said with authority, “Be silent and come out of this man!” The evil spirit shook the man violently and, with a loud shriek, came out of him.

 All the people were astonished and they wondered, “What is this? With what auth­ority he preaches! He even orders evil spirits and they obey him!” And Jesus’ fame spread throughout all the country of Galilee.

 

Gospel Reflection：

There are many sources of authority. Some are derived from one’s position or responsibility while others come from the self. Jesus spoke with authority.

He walks the talk and consistently uphold what He believed, to the point of death. His deep convictions translated in the actions of His life, made Him a Teacher in Words and in Deeds. That is why even the evil spirits obey Him. His power is His integrity.