Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

Dt 18:15-20
Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9
1 Cor 7:32-35
Mk 1:21-28

Hello, I'm Franciscan Father Greg Friedman, with the “Sunday Soundbite” for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

I have a seminary classmate who will occasionally chide me when we’re having a conversation—or rather, when he’s talking to me. If he perceives me not really paying attention to him, he’ll say, “Gregory, are you in my world?” What he means is, “Are you listening to me?”

Listening is crucial. When it comes to the Word of God, listening is absolutely essential. Today’s first reading and Gospel share the theme of “listening.” Moses tells the people that God will raise up a prophet for them; God is giving them a prophet, since the people were too frightened when they heard God address them directly—the people feel that a human intermediary would be easier to listen to. But Moses warns them: They’d better listen to God’s prophet in that case—not listening will have consequences!

In the Gospel Jesus performs an exorcism. In doing so, he demonstrates that even the unclean spirits listen to him. The people who witness the event are amazed at this, and Jesus’ fame spreads. He is the fulfillment of that request from the people long ago. He is prophet par excellence, speaking God’s Word. But even more: He is God’s Word enfleshed. Hidden in the Gospel story is the unspoken question: Will we listen to him? Will we choose to be part of his world, the Kingdom of God which Jesus is bringing into our midst?

Scripture:

•“A prophet like me will the LORD, your God, raise up for you from among your own kin; to him you shall listen.…” (Deuteronomy 18:15)

•If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. (Psalm 95:8)

•I should like you to be free of anxieties. (1 Corinthians 7:32)

•The people were astonished at his teaching… (Mark 1:22)

Reflection:

•When do you here the Lord’s voice?

•How are you free from anxiety?

•What is astonishing in Jesus’ teaching?

Francis gestured, danced, laughed and sang; felt the Earth in his skin and bones; talked with Jesus; enjoyed the companionship of his brothers and preached repentance in towns along the way. From the time of his conversion, he envisioned himself as a troubadour of Christ. On occasion he would pick up a stick and, imagining that he was playing a violin, sing about his God. He refused to suppress the energy of his soul and coaxed his brothers to sing so that they would awaken the spirit of joy in the hearts of listeners. (St. Francis of Assisi)