Gospel Reflection for Saturday, January 23rd, 2021 — Mark 3:20-21
No matter where you fall where it comes to understanding Jesus’ family dynamics; did Jesus have siblings or not, one thing is certain, from scripture we can discern that He did have close family ties. Just like all family relations, things can be complicated. And, we often get the least respect from those closest to us.
Sometimes the people who are the most difficult for us to reach with the grace of Jesus can be found in our own families. Fortunately, we are not alone in that challenge. It seems that Jesus’ family didn’t understand him either
The early Christians often found themselves in difficult family situations, especially between their Jewish roots conflicting with their newfound faith.
Most comforting for us today, however, is the realization that Jesus spent much of his ministry being misunderstood by his own family, many of whom would not believe in him until after his death and resurrection. Our own families, as one of my deacons, pointed out to my yesterday, especially our children, just may be our most important ministry focus, yet, from personal experience, the hardest to reach.
Let's not be discouraged; instead, let's go to the Lord and ask Him to lead us and show us how to minister, serve, and respect those around us so that we can reach them with God's grace.
GOSPEL -- Mark 3:20-21
Jesus came with his disciples into the house. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
