Having authority.

“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.” (MK 1: 21-22)

My generation remembers the time when some positions, titles, or jobs were connected with authority. We respected our priests, teachers, doctors, military people, and people who served. Now, we have to work for it; there is no authority coming because of the position. Today, the most needed in our lockdown world is unconditional love, and whoever works for it will bring “a great light” to those “who sit in darkness.”

“The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light; on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen.” (Gospel Acclamation)