Tues., January 30, 2024

The Rev. AARON B. JENKYN

"Astounded at his teaching"

The Rev. Aaron Jenkyn preaches on the Gospel of Mark 1:21-28.

In Sunday's Gospel readings we catch a glimpse of Jesus at the start of his ministry. While in Capernaum he enters a synagogue and begins teaching, not from the tradition, but from his heart, speaking with great authority, and the people are astounded.

When we are in the presence of true authority, when we encounter divine love and are astounded by it, we are forever changed. It is not easy to face the hurts of the world, it is not easy to follow Jesus. But as the poet Jan Richardson suggests, the blessing comes in facing the chaos rather than turning away from it. Jesus - time and again - asks us to follow, and he teaches us how.

When was that last time you were astounded by something you saw, heard, or witnessed? Have you ever been in the presence of true authority? In what ways did it change you?