Gospel reflection for Jan. 28, 2024, Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The appearance of Jesus at the synagogue in Capernaum must have been unsettling to those who were present. His first miracle, the exorcism of a man possessed by a demon, shocked and intrigued those who were present. Jesus not only preached that the Kingdom of God was at hand and breaking into the world, he demonstrated the power of the Kingdom through this exorcism, and other mighty works. But it was not just the power of his action that helped define his ministry, it was his teaching “with authority” that attracted the crowds to him. They were unaccustomed to the rabbis preaching that way, and it is that which opens their hearts to him. Yet, we are still uncomfortable in grasping and accepting a teaching with authority.
For most of us the term “authority” triggers some oppression, close-mindedness and a tendency to demand blind obedience. While totalitarian forms of governance do tend in those directions, we all deal with various forms of authority every day. We are so inured to accepting authority that we pay little attention to it. Like many other things in life, we willingly accept the authority that we find affirming, and reject “authoritarian” – that authority we find challenging.
Moses was able to form the people of Israel into a nation through the formation of a code of law, and a system of governance that included local judges to settle disputes and interpret the laws. Of course, it is because Moses was raised up by God to be a prophet and to lead the people from slavery to freedom, that his leadership and authority in the community was secured. Even still, some rejected and even rebelled against his rule.
After the death of Moses, this authority was passed down within the Israelite and then the Jewish communities through the priests and the prophets, and by the time of Jesus, was seen dominated by the Pharisees and the developing rabbi tradition.
Although the laws were clear, there still remained the need for an authority competent to interpret and amend the laws relative to the needs and conditions of the people.
Toward the end of his life, “Moses spoke to all the people, saying: “‘A prophet like me will the LORD, your God, raise up for you from among your own kin; to him you shall listen.’”
This is more than the promise of continuity, it is the promise of another Moses-life figure, who will teach with authority and lead the people anew into a deeper relationship with God. It is this prophecy which we see fulfilled Jesus. The people are amazed that he “teaches with authority.” This is reflected especially in the “Amen” sayings of Jesus where we often hear Jesus say, “you have heard it said, but I say …”
The authority with which Jesus taught is then handed-on through his apostles to the Church. This is where it gets dicey. We often hear questions like, “Where does the Church get this authority?” “Who does the Pope think he is?” “What gives the Church the right?”
The authority of the Church — teaching as Jesus teaches — comes directly from the teaching authority of Jesus.
But why? Are we not intelligent and reasonable people who can make decisions and decide on moral questions for ourselves? It all seems so archaic!
We need authority to insure unity, continuity and faithfulness. Ours is not a blind adherence to authority, be it the printed word, or a person who claims authority from a private source of revelation, but rather in an unbroken line of teaching and teachers, going back to the apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit.
We seek unity with Christ and his Church, and we do so as we understand, appreciate and accept the teaching of the ages.
Father Garry Koch is pastor of St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel.