Leaving a deep impression

‘… he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.’(Mark 1:22)

Mark 1:21-28 (Year B: Epiphany+4)

Some translations of this passage refer to the fact that Jesus’ teachings left a ‘deep impression’ on his listeners. Why? Because Jesus lived what he preached. What you saw was what you got. And so it is today for you and me, dear sister or dear brother. In our day, in our little corner, in our situation which may be less than ideal, we are called to be witnesses not by threatening, flattering, manipulating or showing off but by a deep, sincere, open and respectful attitude towards others.  No matter how different others may be; no matter how wounded they or we may be; no matter how much ‘stuff’ has happened between the other and me – there is always an opportunity to be deeply truthful and deeply caring – moment by moment.

A gesture, a look, a word, an action might leave a deep impression and change the lives of others. Then again, it might not. But, we can say to ourselves at the end of every day and, ultimately, at the end of our lives: ‘I did my best’, ‘I failed but kept starting out all over again’, ‘I am glad that I tried’ …

Nowadays people look for others who are honest, open and caring. The good news is that this has an impact for the better.

Jesus is not dead. He lives through us, in us and beyond us.