"The Holy One of God!"

The Gospel at Mass today features a scene from the early ministry of Jesus.

From Mark Chapter 1:

Then they came to Capernaum, and on the sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and taught.

The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.

In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One of God!"

Jesus rebuked him and said, "Quiet! Come out of him!"

The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.

All were amazed and asked one another, "What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him."

His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

Deacon Greg has posted his homily for this Sunday. Fr. Aquinas has posted a discussion of the readings.

Photo hat-tip: A Concord Pastor. Caption: Remains of the synagogue built in Capernaum in the 4th century, over the remains of the synagogue of Jesus' time, the synagogue where he worshiped and preached. Image by πρώρα (Prora)