Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Casting Out Demons with Authority

Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Mark 1:21-28

This Epiphany season we are discussing "God come near" in otherwise ordinary elements, people and at times and on occasions unexpected. Our time becomes God's time. Learning to listen, and being open to receive God's call are some of the lessons we have learned.
 
We left off last week discussing what was it that Jesus said or did for Peter, Andrew, James and John, ordinary fishermen, to immediately drop their nets and leave their families to follow Jesus? How and when can we experience what they did when heaven and earth meet?
 
This week we listen in as Jesus speaks before a crowd eager to hear him in a synagogue in Capernaum. They are astounded at the authority with which he spoke and acted.  How does the author of Mark's gospel relate the authority of Jesus? Who is it that recognizes him as "the Holy one of God?" Again we are told the people are amazed. Again we are told of his authority. What is the authority and power of Jesus? How is it manifest to us? What does "Jesus of Nazareth have to do with us?" What do we have to do with Jesus? What is your "aha!" moment?
 
How was the power and authority of Jesus made manifest in John E. Sumwalt and Jo Perry-Sumwalt story "Casting Out Demons?" What are the demons we have to be cast out? Are we immune from being possessed by demons? How are they cast out? What does Kate Huey, in her "Reflection," tell us about the authority of Jesus?
 
 

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