True followers of Christ are distinguished by not being shaped by the spirit of the world around them. The “spirit of the world” is the wisdom of this age: alienated from God and opposed to his ways. Instead, we are called to live by the Spirit of God dwelling within us. Through Baptism, we receive the precious gift of the Holy Spirit. We are sanctified and empowered to live under his guidance. Therefore, we must continually listen for and discern God’s voice in all that we do. To have the “mind of Christ” is to see as he sees, value what he values, and share in his vision for our lives. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches with authority, unlike the scribes who relied only on tradition. His words carried power, even unsettling the forces of darkness. Though fully divine, Jesus was also fully human and lived in perfect obedience to the Father’s will. Today, the Lord calls us to step out of routine, live by the Spirit within us, and walk boldly as sons and daughters of the living God.

PRAYER: Abba Father, fill me with your Spirit, that I may see with the mind of Christ and live according to your will. Amen.