Reflection for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary time …January 31, 2021

By Theresa Homan, Notre Dame Associate

DT 18:15-20     1COR 7:32-35     MK 1:21-28

The voice of the LORD. The voice of the LORD carries such power that the Israelites feared death should they hear it again. So they are sent prophets to convey God’s word. Prophets become the middle person; the person who has to listen with great care to discern the voice of the LORD from all the other voices vying to be heard; the person whose very life hangs in the balance of what she/he speaks. By Baptism we share in the prophetic mission of Christ, so praying today’s responsorial psalm is very important: “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”

The voice of the LORD. “Jesus rebuked him and said, ‘Quiet! Come out of him!'”  “‘He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.'”  The power of God’s word amazes the people. Our words, too, carry amazing power–to bring comfort and peace or fear and agitation.

Today, what voice will I listen to? What words will I speak? Will my words promote justice, reconciliation and unity, from which spring peace and joy?

Divine Counselor, soften my heart to hear your voice and grant me the courage to speak your word.