Lectionary: 520/316
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| Ice on MSF Lake |
When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
Does anyone reading this not have troublesome relatives? Take heart. So did the Lord.
Saint Mark has linked this story with that of the scribes who thought Jesus was possessed by a demon. Whether he is insane or possessed, it amounts to the same thing: Jesus does not fit the mold of anyone's expectations. And he is a bother.
Especially in the Gospel of Saint Mark we find Jesus as the lonely suffering servant of God, lionized by the populace and despised by the authorities. Crowds of people flock to him even as scribes, Pharisees and Herodians wring their hands. He is like a lion who has come up out of the wilderness of the Jordan valley. He takes what he wants of the flock as the shepherds watch helplessly from a distance.
Eventually he will be brought down. We know that story very well. But Jesus is arrested only when the time is right, and at his Father's behest, not theirs.
The Gospel of Mark tells the story of Jesus but its focus is on our response. When he is disowned by his family, denied by his disciples, denounced by religious leaders, betrayed by his inner circle, and abandoned by everyone -- what will you do?
Jesus was not the last Christian to be judged insane by his family. Many of his disciples have borne the same cross. Very often neophytes realize they have to distance themselves from former friends and family if they are to take up this new way of life. Attitudes they learned as children must be abandoned; habits of speech and appearance must be altered. Places frequented are forgotten as they attend church, go on pilgrimage and withdraw to their rooms to pray. Their new friends are simply strangers to their old families.
It is our universal experience that we never really fit into any society or culture. We are always sojourners traveling through a strange land. We are often shocked by what our countrymen take for granted.
Here in America we realize that, though the majority don't like abortion, they have no moral objections to it. Even those who protest abortion are likely to demand the execution of caged, defenseless criminals. Ours is a culture fascinated by killing; many of our fellow citizens see it as a panacea for every ill. Even a troublesome legislator may be brought to earth by a "second amendment solution."
Jesus' ethic of life sets us apart. He didn't say it would be easy, but he has invited us to enter with him through the narrow gate.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.