Who’s in charge here? Answer: Jesus.

Today’s Gospel from the Mass (Mark 1:21-28) speaks about the mysterious power of Jesus:

[21] And they went into Caper’na-um; and immediately on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught.  [22] And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.  [23] And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit;  [24] 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.”   [25] But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!”   [26] And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.   [27] 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.” [28] And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

Following on yesterday’s amazing call of Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John, Jesus convincingly demonstrates His Divine power and authority:

• Jesus goes into a synagogue on the Sabbath, and starts to teach.  Though somewhat different, imagine if a priest that is unknown to your parish, shows up on Sunday and walks up and gives the homily.  It would be startling; and yet, that is exactly what Jesus does.  What makes it even more amazing is that Jesus is not from the priestly class or does he have a rabbinical pedigree.
• His teaching has great authority; not only does Jesus teach, but he is more compelling than the regular teachers.
• He is so impressive that the demons in a demon-possessed man are full of fear and even call Jesus “the Holy One of God”.   And then Jesus casts out the demon!   Think of what it would be like to witness that in person.  Mind boggling.
• Certainly everyone was completely impressed for “His fame spread everywhere throughout all the surround region of Galilee.”

Jesus clearly demonstrates His supreme authority in a way that all people recognized.  Are you impressed yet.