of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
JANUARY 23, 2016 – WEEK TWO – SATURDAY – A STARTLED FAMILY

JANUARY 23, 2016 – WEEK TWO – SATURDAY – A STARTLED FAMILY

(Mark 3-20-21)

Prayer – O Jesus, help me to stand firm.

Imagination: – (Picture Jesus surrounded by the crowd and his family.)

Context:

This text contrasts the crowds, and the relatives. The crowds hardly know Jesus, and yet they acclaim him. His relatives, who think they know him, have the wrong opinion. “The house” refers to the early believes who formed “house churches.”

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

When they came to the house with his disciples, the crowds gathered, making it impossible for them to even eat. When his family heard of this, they came to lay hold of him saying, “He is out of his mind.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you).

  1. Jesus returns to the house, always trying to get out of the spotlight.
  2. His disciples act as a shield. With them he feels perfectly at home.
  3. The crowd’s feelings are evident. They believe that Jesus is a miracle-worker and they need his blessing.
  4. The relatives do not share the crowd’s enthusiasm. They reject faith and are blinded by their natural knowledge.
  5. They want to stop Jesus’ ministry because they are embarrassed.
  6. They concluded that Jesus is insane – “He is out of his mind”.       Nothing justifies that opinion.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  1. O Jesus, take me with you into the house of your heart.
  2. Come to me, Jesus. I welcome you. I am your disciple.
  3. Even if you hide yourself, I will find you.
  4. You are near and I will come to you.
  5. O Jesus, your relatives see, but they do not see. They know you, but they do not know you. Help me to see and to know!
  6. The opinions of others mean nothing to me. You alone, are all I want.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

  1. I will live by faith today, believing that Jesus is near.
  2. I will not block Jesus’ actions in my life.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation)

The crowds gathered around Jesus. His relatives tried to take charge.