It is 3rd February 2021. We celebrate the memorial of St Blaise, Bishop and Martyr.
The readings are from Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15; and the Gospel from Mark 6:1-6.
An authentic disciple emerges from an appropriate discipline.
Disciplining by God is a blessing for us even though it is bitter pill to take it. We are not cornered or boxed out by God to suffer by ourselves all on our own. Rejection and lack of approval from our closest circle questions tender loving kindness of God. A fraternal correction and reprimanding are the expression of love for the other.
Punishment and time of purification are not the expression of hatred from God. Rather, it is the vaccine for our vocation. We all easily get discouraged when things do work out the way we want.
“The Lord disciplines those whom he loves; and chastises every child whom he accepts.” (Heb.12:6). The endurance is the inner courage we display as our proof of our love for God.
Every child goes through some sort of discipline from parents who love them as their own world. There is a futuristic concern and affection in every disciple for the integral growth of a child. Without love, we cannot accept and embrace any discipline from the home of origin or from God. By accepting the mode of correction, we begin to experience peace. When disciplining is taken in a sense of rejection, we begin expressing our hatred towards the family and community in one way or another. We all need to accept the help rendered by God in shaping our life. We do not need to be worried and anxious about the measure in which we will be purified. God knows the best for us.
The responsorial Psalm encourages us, “The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.” (Ps.103:17).
Jesus is being rejected by His hometown in the Gospel. God did not exempt Jesus, the Only Son of God to sip the cup of rejection, distress, pressure, and pain. Wherever there is unbelief and lack of love, there is going to be tremendous amount of rejection, comparisons, and hatred. When we believe that we know someone so intimately, we begin undermining their worth, value and person. Proximity poisons intimacy and relationship. But in an ordinary event of life, God enters and ensures God’s love for us. Familiarity with Jesus could lead us to undermine His mighty power to heal us. “Jesus could do no powerful deed there.” (Mk.6:5). Are we taking Jesus for granted? May the Lord help us accept the way God wants us to be disciplined to become the authentic disciple of the Lord. Have a lovely day. God bless you.