With the voice of authority, Jesus commands unclean spirits and devils to obey him when a man possessed with an unclean spirit calls out to him. As we see throughout Mark’s Gospel, the spirits and demons seem to know Jesus and are often fearful of him. As we will read again and again, Jesus orders the spirits to be quiet. Jesus’ ability to heal those possessed by demons is an indication of his power over evil. Mark’s Gospel tells us that because of the authority with which he healed, Jesus’ fame spread throughout all of Galilee.

Following Christ is no easy road but, rather, is a commitment to open oneself fully to the healing power of God in our midst. The constant turning over of life’s joys and sorrows to God will permit the Christian to live free in the knowledge and love of God. Bowing down in worship before God in the liturgy, the Church is transformed in bits and pieces into the image of Christ and becomes the presence of Christ in the world.

Some will say liturgy is a waste of time and that God doesn’t need it! Indeed, Common Preface 1V lifts our hearts to God with the words, “You have no need of our praise, yet our thanksgiving is itself your gift.” The psalmist urges the faithful to hear God’s voice and “harden not your hearts.” Praise God with every fibre of your being!