In today’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus dramatically begins his public ministry in Capernaum where he has established his residence. It is there on the Sabbath in the synagogue that Jesus astonishes all those assembled by the unique authority of his teaching.
On this day, we, too, are being reborn into the Ordinary time of our lives. This is such a fitting way in which to conclude the Advent and Christmas seasons.
“And if you are willing to accept it, he (John the Baptist) is Elijah, the one who is to come.”
We stand in need of grace every day. We would be foolish to stand before God at Judgment Day and request to be judged on the basis of justice instead of grace.
God desires that we come to know God, to love God, and to serve God in this world so that at the end of our lives here on earth, we will abide in the joyful eternal presence of God.
Just as Christ died in forgiveness of our sins, so too, are we to forgive others.
Jesus teaches the true motivation for practicing the Golden Rule, which is nothing less than a radical summary of love.
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”