GOSPEL RELFECTION BY DEACON BILL WATZEK

     It would seem that the theme of today’s Gospel is that of authority, especially the way that Jesus exercises His authority. The people were astonished at the teaching of Jesus because He taught with authority.  The unclean spirit recognized the authority of Jesus calling Him the Holy One of God.  Jesus demonstrated the truth of His authority by driving the unclean spirit from the man which the people saw as proof of the teaching of Jesus.
     Each one of us recognize the authority figures in our lives, our parents, our bosses, those in government and law professionals and we understand the boundaries of their authority over us.  This brings up the question of how we view the authority of our God, our very Creator over us.  Do we have an understanding, that our Heavenly Father should be the ultimate authority in our lives?  If we do have this understanding how do we go about our lives living this out on a day-to-day basis?  These are the challenges that face us as Catholics to not just have that “surface” commitment to God but to live our lives in such a way that demonstrates our belief and submission to the authority of our most loving Father.