Teaching with Authority

Homily for Tuesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Although some schools open earlier, the day after Labor Day usually signals the beginning of all elementary and high school classes. Teachers often reminded their students: “When you write a paper, cite your sources. Acknowledge those experts to support your opinion.” At the same time, experts will always cite their sources in their research publications. In every research endeavor, there is one more expert, more of an authority than the authors themselves.

In today’s Gospel text, we see people are astonished by Jesus’ teaching and actions. At the time of Jesus, rabbis would cite the teaching of recognized higher authorities when they taught their students or preached in the synagogues. Jesus did not do that. Rather, he teaches as the authority. Likewise, Jesus cast out the demons, not in the name of God but on his own authority.

To his hearers, the message was very clear. Jesus’ words and actions have an authority and power of their own. Furthermore, he exercises this authority for the good of others. In the case of the man with the demon, the demon obeys Jesus and leaves the man unharmed.

Jesus’ actions that restore the life of this man validate his teaching. The hearers respond by sharing what they have heard and seen with others.

We also bear witness to Jesus’ words and deeds – his power to heal and to forgive, and to liberate people from sin and call them to a new life as children of light.

As we prepare to meet Jesus in this Eucharist, let us consider how we have experienced the healing power of Jesus’ words and deeds, and how we are called to share his Good News with others.