Scripture Study for
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Deuteronomy 18:15–20 / Psalm 95:8 / 1 Corinthians 7:32–35 / Mark 1:21–28
<< Back to LECTIONARY RESOURCES
Understanding the Word
By Br. John R. Barker, OFM
One of the challenges facing a society in which prophets communicate God’s will is knowing who is a real prophet—and who is not. Just because someone claims to speak for God does not mean that person is authentic. Moses was, of course, the first of the prophets, and here he acknowledges the need for someone to speak to Israel, but also sees the problem of knowing to whom one can listen. The importance of the role of prophet and the seriousness of pretending to be one (or even mistakenly thinking one is a prophet) is highlighted by the punishment of death prescribed. It is no small thing to mislead God’s people or to presume to speak for God without authority!
Paul continues to advise the Corinthians how to conduct themselves as the present world passes away, through marriage, the heart of the social structure. Given that the world is “passing away,” should people get married? Paul’s advice: if you are now married, stay married. But if you are not married, do not marry (unless, of course, it will prevent you from sinning; see 7:36). Marriage is not bad in itself, but it does impose restrictions on husband and wife, who cannot devote themselves entirely to God; they are both “anxious about the things of the world.” Paul would like them to be able to focus entirely on “the Lord without distraction.”
The story of the exorcism of the demon is framed by reference to Jesus’ teaching. The people are already “astonished” at his teaching, or rather that he teaches “as one having authority.” There is something different about the source of his teaching, which comes from him and not from someone else. This authority is then confirmed by the exorcism. Once again, the crowds express amazement and refer to his “new teaching with authority.” We see here the close connection between Jesus’ words and his actions, both of which point to the power and good news of the kingdom of God, which Jesus has come to announce in word and to inaugurate in deed.