Word to the Wise
Monday, January 27, 2014 - Monday in the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time
[2 Sam 5:1-7, 10 and Mark 3:22-30]The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said of Jesus, "He is possessed by Beelzebub," and "By the prince of demons he drives out demons."
Today's gospel passage begins two verses late! Just before the scribes arrive, Jesus' own family make the decision to "seize him, for they said, 'He is out of his mind.'' If Jesus' own relatives think he's insane, we shouldn't be surprised that the scribes from Jerusalem misunderstand as well! But what ARE they to think - family or scribes? Jesus is working miracles, confronting Pharisees, teaching to crowds that pack his house and keep any normal life from going on! The family is worried about their reputation and the scribes and Pharisees are threatened! Healing and exorcism presume a POWER and Jesus' revelation of his POWER is definitely causing difficulties!
Jesus foils the scribes by pointing out that their argument is silly. If he is a demon, why would he want to cast out demons? And, as to the family, he points out that anyone who does the will of God [like him] is "my brother and sister and mother." But this will be only a temporary solution. He will continue to threaten the "powers that be," and astound his disciples and family. His POWER will only be truly understood when he rises from the dead!
How much POWER do WE think Jesus has? Have we "domesticated" him as the ultimate "nice guy" who wouldn't do anything strong or even violent? How much do WE understand him all these centuries later? His family and the scribes each had a label for him which kept them from learning more. Do we do the same? AMEN