1 Kings 12:26-32; 13:33-34 / Mark 8:1-10
It is quite obvious that there is religion and spiritual authority have a close inter-relationship.
Religion and spiritual authority are not mutually exclusive; they should complement each other and build on each other
In the 1st reading, king Jeroboam used his authority to turn the hearts of his people away from the God of Israel to worshipping idols.
That is the adverse effect of spiritual authority especially when the motives are far from religious.
King Jeroboam used the spiritual authority and influence to secularize the sacred.
But the warning at the end of the 1st reading pointed out the dire consequence of such a deed. Eventually the Northern Kingdom of Israel was annihilated.
But when spiritual authority is understood as service to the people of God and making God present among His people, then religion will be the means by which people are fed and taken care of.
In the gospel Jesus multiplied the loaves to feed the people. He did this to show God's providence and care.
Jesus was exercising His spiritual authority to care for the people and to call down God's providence.
Jesus has also given us that spiritual authority to call upon God's providence and to serve His people.
May we exercise that authority in prayer and help others experience the love and the providence of God.