January 29, 2012 Scripture Reflection

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

January 29, 2012

Deuteronomy 18:15-20 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 Mark 1:21-28

"The people were astonished at his teaching..."

Have you ever been truly amazed when you heard something very unusual? In both readings from Deuteronomy and Mark, we see how people reacted to such surprise - the role of the prophets and that of Jesus. Wonders, worked by human beings - Moses and Jesus - pointing to the marvels that are worked each day in our world by our God. Each used words and actions to show the people how God works. Each in his own way helped the people to see God in what happened - the miracles, the promises, the teachings.

When was the last time that you witnessed a wonder, an amazement that caused you to stop and exclaim? What causes you to be atonished?

Each day, the power of our God is shown through the unclean spirits being driven out, the propehtic words of women and men being heard, the teachings being proclaimed that give hope to all, the wonders of the universe and ever so many small happenings.

Are you the prophet that Moses spoke of? What is your role in proclaiming the Word of God? Each of us has the responsibility of sharing the amazing graces that we have been given. It is in this way that we continue to spread the reign of God.

Each of us, in our own way, is the prophet spoken of in today's readings - meant to "astonish the people."

Barbara Werner, OP