Tuesday Of Week 1 In Ordinary Time 

Hebrews 2:5-12
Psalm 8:2,5-9
Mark 1:21-28

YOUR GENUINE RESPONSE TO JESUS IS WHAT MATTERS MOST

The Gospel of Mark presents a distinct theological perspective tailored for a community enduring persecution. It articulates that the enigmatic nature of Jesus as the Christ will be disclosed to those who devotedly traverse the Way of the Cross, regardless of their frailty, imperfections, or confusion. The essential question posed to us is how we will engage with this divine call.

In today’s passage, Mark elucidates this theological framework through the interaction of three distinct groups, intertwined with the overarching theme of the Messianic Secret that permeates the entire gospel narrative.

The initial group consists of the scribes and Pharisees. Their responses to Jesus are consistently antagonistic, characterized by a rejection of his authority and teachings, which Mark emphasizes when he notes that Jesus spoke “as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”

The narrative foreshadows mounting tension as these leaders critique Jesus for actions such as permitting his disciples to harvest grain on the Sabbath, healing on that sacred day, and discussing marital laws, revealing their entrenched negativity.

The second group, the crowd, reacts with astonishment to both Jesus’ teachings and his miraculous acts. Mark notes that “the people were astonished at his teaching,” leading to a widespread dissemination of Jesus’ renown throughout the region. Their response can be encapsulated as one of sheer amazement.

The disciples, constituting the third group, demonstrate a more nuanced and complex interaction with Jesus. Despite sitting at his feet and witnessing his signs and wonders, their understanding is muddled and often characterized by confusion, ignorance, and fear. Their responses highlight a significant cognitive dissonance as they grapple with Jesus’ true identity and mission.

Moreover, Mark’s narrative introduces the concept of the Messianic Secret, or Markan Secret. Throughout the gospel, Jesus enjoins those he heals with a strict directive to remain silent: “Tell no one.” This theme surfaces prominently in today’s reading, where it becomes apparent that, apart from the unclean spirit, no one—neither the crowd, the scribes, nor the disciples—truly comprehends who Jesus is. In a poignant moment, the unclean spirit acknowledges Jesus as “the Holy One of God,” demonstrating that the forces of evil possess a clearer understanding of his identity than the human characters featured in the narrative.

Jesus’ command to the spirit, “Quiet! Come out of him,” further illustrates the authority he wields over demonic forces. The term “Homothetic,” meaning “be muzzled,” underscores the ironic situation that the embodiment of chaos recognizes the sanctity and authority of Jesus.

This concept of the Messianic Secret underscores a crucial theological assertion: the full revelation of Jesus’ identity as the Christos is contingent upon the events of the crucifixion and resurrection.

St. Thomas Aquinas identifies the four “poisons” of sin: wealth, power, pleasure, and honor. Today’s gospel exemplifies these elements. The crowd’s astonishment reflects a fleeting pleasure—a self-indulgent engagement with Jesus’ miracles devoid of deeper understanding.

Conversely, the scribes and Pharisees epitomize the vices of power and honor. Their ostentatious robes and the preferential seating they claim in the synagogue reveal a preoccupation with societal status and authority. They constitute the powerful Sanhedrin, whose institutional threats from Jesus and his burgeoning popularity incite their hostility.

The disciples’ narrative arc encapsulates failure and fear: they abandon Jesus at the crucifixion and recoil from the resurrection’s revelation, despite being tasked with proclamation. The messengers implore, “Go and tell,” signaling a commissioning to spread the gospel truth.

Mark’s gospel, particularly in today’s reading, compels us to confront the choice of whether we will follow Jesus, and if so, in what manner we will engage.

To truly grasp the Messianic Secret—the nature of Jesus as Messiah—we must journey alongside him to Calvary and the Tomb. Only through this path can we fully recognize Jesus as the authentic Messiah, the Christos who brings healing and salvation.

Importantly, our frequent faltering or misunderstanding need not deter us; what matters is our genuine response to Jesus’ invitation to follow him and to live out the good news through our actions. The guiding principle here is humility.

Fr Joseph Osho