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.

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