Gospel for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
January 31, 2027 · Mark 1:21-28
He taught with authority
In the synagogue at Capernaum, Jesus teaches with authority and frees a man from an unclean spirit. Mark 1:21-28
Liturgical color: green
This Sunday’s Gospel, in everyday words
Jesus came to Capernaum with his disciples. On the sabbath he went into the synagogue and began to teach. Mark 1:21
The people were astonished, because Jesus taught as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Mark 1:22
There was a man there with an unclean spirit. The spirit cried out that it knew who Jesus was: the Holy One of God. Mark 1:23-24
Jesus ordered it to be quiet and come out of the man. Mark 1:25
The spirit shook the man, cried out with a loud voice, and came out of him. Mark 1:26
Everyone was amazed: even the spirits obeyed him. His fame spread throughout all of Galilee. Mark 1:27-28
What the Bible says
Mark 1:21-28
21And they entered into Capharnaum, and forthwith upon the sabbath days going into the synagogue, he taught them. 22And they were astonished at his doctrine. For he was teaching them as one having power, and not as the scribes. 23And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 24Saying: What have we to do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know who thou art, the Holy One of God. 25And Jesus threatened him, saying: Speak no more, and go out of the man. 26And the unclean spirit tearing him, and crying out with a loud voice, went out of him. 27And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying: What thing is this? what is this new doctrine? for with power he commandeth even the unclean spirits, and they obey him. 28And the fame of him was spread forthwith into all the country of Galilee.
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.
The other readings at Mass
First Reading
Moses announces that God will send a prophet like him. God will put his words into the prophet’s mouth. Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Responsorial Psalm
“If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9
Second Reading
Paul wants Christians to live free of anxieties and devoted to the Lord. 1 Corinthians 7:32-35
The full readings for this day, from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: bible.usccb.org
What the Church teaches
The name of Jesus
Evil spirits fear the name of Jesus.
Catechism 434
The readings at Mass
The readings at Mass, the “Liturgy of the Word,” have their roots in the prayer of the Jewish people.
Catechism 1096
The color green
We are still in Ordinary Time: the priest wears green.
General Instruction of the Roman Missal 346
To read with your children
Jesus taught in the synagogue, the house of prayer. Mark 1:21
The people were amazed when they heard him. Mark 1:22
Jesus set a man free from an evil spirit. Mark 1:25-26
Very soon everyone was talking about Jesus. Mark 1:28
What would you like to ask Jesus?
To talk about as a family
- People noticed that Jesus spoke differently. Which words of Jesus have touched us?
- The psalm asks us not to harden our hearts. What helps us listen to God?
- For the child: do you know something that Jesus said?
This week
This week, when you feel afraid or angry, say the name of Jesus together quietly.
To pray
Lord Jesus, your word has authority and sets us free from evil. May we listen to it with an open heart. Amen.