By the Grace of God He tested death for everyone

Heb. 2:5-12, Mk 1:21-28. In today's Gospel, Jesus freed a man who was possessed by an unclean spirit, a madness that had kept him away from his local community and from God. Though, others before Him had wrestled with evil spirits and magicians but His command of authority made the difference and kept the onlookers in the Synagogue at Capernaum to wonder about His teaching and unique authority over evil spirits. We can recall Moses’ trials with the magicians in Egypt and his command over the forces of wickedness and havoc (Ex. 7:22.8:3). The uniqueness of Jesus is well expressed in today's first reading: He is the one who, during His life on earth was made lower than the angels, but is now crowned with glory and honour because of the death He suffered, “so that by the grace of God He tasted death for everyone.” He is the pioneer of our salvation, perfected by His sacrificial suffering during His Passion. He brings us into a family relationship with God, for now “the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father.”

Jesus lived and died to draw people into sharing of faith, hope and love and for a personal relationship with God. He did not call people to a holiness that would isolate them from others. Our journey of faith to God is a journey that we make with others. In other words, our earthly pilgrimage is never a purely private one, we need each other along the way. Each of us has gifts that the Holy Spirit has given us for the benefit of others and they have gifts to be shared with us. The Lord calls us to face the journey of life together, for Christian life is a shared experience, bearing others burdens.

May the Lord walk with us to guide and direct us in our journey of faith and spare us from pains and anything that will lead us astray! Amen!! Remain safe and have a wonderful day!!!