Today, being the Fourth Sunday in the Church's liturgical year, the readings outline that the promised Messiah is one whose Word is authoritative and rightly to be obeyed.

St. Paul emphasizes that holiness remains the yardstick of serving God and worshiping Him with undivided attention whether we are priests, religious, married or unmarried persons. He also presents an example of the "New Doctrine": the new value attributed to virginity which is lived for the love of and at the serving of our brothers and sisters.

The first reading announces the coming of a prophet who will speak in the name of God. The Jewish say to Moses: "Let us not again hear the voice of the Lord, our God, nor see this great fire any more, lest we die.'" Apparently, God's self-revelation was too much for them to accept. Perhaps they thought that the same revelation when handed down to them by prophets would be more palatable. In any case, Moses explains that God will indeed fulfill their request. Yet one ought to be careful about what one requests from God.

In Jesus' ministry, he manifested his authority both in words and in deeds as the "Chosen One of God". Therefore, as Christians, we are enjoined to give our undivided attention to Jesus Christ who is the epitome of authority. His message is new and he proclaims it "With Authority". His word is effective and frees us from the forces of evil that rule us. That is why the Psalmist said: "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts"!

In ordinary use, the word "authority" has a meaning much weaker than the way it is used in today's passage. A police office has authority to make an arrest within his jurisdiction. A judge has the authority to pass sentence in her courtroom. A colonel has authority to issue commands within the range of his commission.

But in each case, this authority has been handed down from a higher authority: the chief of police, the governor, or the colonel's commanding officers. Yet those higher authorities themselves report to others, within chains of commands that reach upwards.

How many of us obey God's commands in the Sacraments we celebrate in our lives?

• Yours in Christ,
• Father Barnabas Duniya

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