Word to the Wise
Tuesday, January 27, 2015 - Tuesday in the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time
[Heb 10:1-10 and Mark 3:31-35]And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother." [Mark]
On Saturday last, we learned that Jesus' family had become very concerned about his growing popularity (or notoriety, in their eyes) and had "set out to seize him, for they said, 'He is out of his mind.'" In the meantime, Jesus had defended himself against accusations by scribes from Jerusalem who said he was possessed! Today the family arrives and try to put their plan into action but Jesus refuses to cooperate and seems to renounce his family. However, what he really does is call his family to do what any disciple should be doing: the will of God, which he has come to preach. Physical kinship and DNA are of no purpose ultimately. Faith in action is the most important thing.
Discipleship can have a divisive effect even when lived in a gentle and loving way. Jesus' very existence was a threat to powerful forces from demons to emperors. Concerned families may react with rescue efforts or disowning of a member. Concerned authorities may react with force and legislation. The gospel continually calls us all to persistent and persevering love of God and neighbor. If others consider that to be insane, so be it! AMEN