In this Sunday’s gospel (Mark 1:21-28) Jesus goes into the synagogue at Capernaum and teaches “with authority.” While there, he’s interrupted by a man with an unclean spirit which Jesus then casts out. The onlookers are amazed, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him” (1:27). There are a lot of different ways to interpret this text from a modern point of view. Most of us (I’m guessing) are doubtful about the idea of demon possession and unclean spirits. A lot of people read that and wonder if what they are describing in the first century is really what we’d describe as “mental illness.” I don’t think any of us would say our mentally ill friend or loved one has an “unclean spirit.”

However, I have seen my share of people and situations where a destructive mental pattern takes hold and all kinds of suffering result. I’ve felt helpless as I’ve tried to “get through to” someone and nothing seems to work. I’ve also realized that my own mind is kind of like that synagogue. Filled with ideas about who God is, engaged in prayer and praise, but also having in the pews “unclean” notions, all kinds of things that are not “godly.” And then Jesus’ teaching comes in with authority… And what does that do to my notions of God, how does that expose my own distorted and unhealthy thinking? How does Jesus’ teaching get through to me so I can be spiritually and mentally healthy?

Mental health has been in the news a lot the last few years, especially because of the effects of the pandemic. It has hit home at my house. But Jesus comes in with authority and his teaching restores and resonates. Who he is and what he came to do, the life he calls us to, is healing.

Peace,
Pr. Christian