Catholic Reflections - Tuesday 13 January 2026, Tuesday of week 1 in Ordinary Time, Mark 1:21-28

Short reflection:

The Authority of the Holy One of God

This passage from the Gospel of Mark illustrates the divine sovereignty of Jesus as he begins his public ministry in Capernaum. Unlike the religious scholars of his time, Jesus demonstrates a commanding presence that bridges the gap between profound verbal instruction and the supernatural power required to expel demons. The narrative highlights a dramatic confrontation where even malevolent spirits recognize him as the Holy One of God, forced to submit to his spoken word. Ultimately, the text serves to establish Jesus's identity as a figure of unprecedented spiritual authority whose influence transcends human tradition and commands the natural and spiritual worlds alike.

Long Reflection:

Catholic Reflections – A New Teaching With Authority

Date: Tuesday 13 January 2026

Liturgical: Tuesday of week 1 in Ordinary Time

Outline:

• Opening prayer

• Gospel reading (full reading, word for word):

• Reflection on Jesus’ authority to teach and to free

• Key points for discipleship

• Concluding prayer

Gospel Mark 1:21-28 (full reading, word for word)

‘He taught them as one who had authority.’

Jesus and his disciples went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, ‘What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are — the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, ‘What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’ And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

Key Points:

1. Jesus speaks with true authority

His word is not empty opinion—it is God’s truth spoken with power to change hearts.

2. The Holy One of God has come near

Even the unclean spirit recognises who Jesus is. His presence exposes darkness and brings light.

3. Jesus frees the oppressed

The Gospel is not only instruction; it is deliverance. Jesus restores dignity and peace to those who are bound.

4. Evil cannot negotiate with Christ

Jesus does not debate the spirit. He commands—and it must obey.

5. Amazement must become faith

The crowd is impressed, but the invitation is deeper: to trust Jesus’ authority in our own lives and let Him set us free.

Concluding Prayer:

Lord Jesus, Holy One of God,

speak Your word into our hearts with authority.

Teach us the truth that saves,

and give us the humility to obey it.

Free us from whatever binds us—

sin, fear, resentment, addiction, and despair.

Silence every voice that pulls us away from You,

and fill us with Your peace.

Let Your presence drive away darkness in our lives

and make us witnesses of Your power and mercy.

May our amazement become living faith,

and our faith become a life of discipleship.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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