Devotion - Monday, January 30

I am attending a conference of my campus ministry colleagues from across Region 9. We have as our guest a Clemson professor who studies religious attitudes and practices of youth. We came here prepared to discuss and learn how it is that faith and religious practices develop.

As we were gathering, our colleague from University of Florida returned to yesterday morning's Gospel text. In Mark 1.21ff, we read of Jesus' teaching in the Temple. It was said of him, "They were astounded at this teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."

This "authority" was unique to Jesus. But we can emulate this kind of authority. Many teach what they have learned; Jesus taught what he knew. Too often we tell others what we know about Jesus; the thing we need to share is what we know of Jesus.

As presented last night, the world is in need of persons who are capable (and willing) to share a vision, a hope, a promise. Unlike pieces of information, a vision, a hope, a promise reflect not merely what we know about Jesus but the way in which we are known by Jesus.

Remember those who shared with you their faith. Recall how formative such sharing was to you, perhaps at a critical time in your life. Then, begin to muster the energy and the courage to share similar glimpses with those whom you encounter. Speak to them not merely about Jesus, but of Jesus.