Jesus and his followers went as far as Capernaum, and as soon as the sabbath came he went to the synagogue and began to teach. And his teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority.
In their synagogue just then there was a man possessed by an unclean spirit and it shouted, ‘What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus said sharply, ‘Be quiet! Come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and with a loud cry went out of him. The people were so astonished that they started asking each other what it all meant. ‘Here is a teaching that is new’ they said ‘and with authority behind it: he gives orders even to unclean spirits and they obey him.’ And his reputation rapidly spread everywhere, through all the surrounding Galilean countryside.
Gospel for the Sunday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time
Mark 1:21-28
The effects of the teaching and healing that Jesus carries out are extraordinary. Yet more extraordinary is his desire to serve those in need of his teaching and his healing in order to find peace and wholeness, integrity as children of the Father.
What a contrast with the lack of engagement and care that is often shown to those in need.
People are easily astonished by the who, what and why of Jesus. What is also needed
Synagogue, Capernaum. (c) 2017, Allen Morris.
Living Eucharist 
Reblogged this on St Nicholas, Boldmere.
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