It is 23rd January 2016. The readings are from 2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 17, 19, 23-27; and the Gospel from Mark 3:20-21. The first reading teaches us that patience and magnanimity in the time of adversity pays to the full. David lamented for the slain king Saul and his most intimate friend Jonathan. David had every reason to have hatred and hurt but he ended up singing the praises of the fallen heroes. In times of sorrow, pain and suffering, we must rise above the hurts and hatred. Our faith in God needs to be seen in our magnanimity. The responsorial Psalm acclaims, “Let your face shine on us, O Lord, and we shall be saved.” (Ps.79:4). The Gospel reveals how Jesus was viewed as insane by his closest relatives and friends. It is indeed hard to lean on anyone when the only wall of consolation and understanding is destroyed by human perspectives. Friends and family view us completely out of mind and place when we are doing the noblest things in our lives. We are most certainly to be misunderstood by many as we do things for the cause of the welfare of the society. The easiest means is to hate them and to ignore them. But, what Jesus teaches us is amazing. We must not be tired of doing good even if we are misunderstood and mistreated by the most intimate people of our lives. The treatment we get from others must not influence the good we do. May God grant you peace.