It is 23rd January 2021.
The readings are from Hebrews 9:2-3, 11-14; and the Gospel from Mark 3:20-21
The author points out in the first reading that the blood of Jesus wipes out all our sins. His sacrifice incomparable with any sacrifice offered here on earth.
A king appointed a teacher for his only son for learning. The prince learned all what was taught by the teacher. One day, the teacher slapped the prince for no reason. After the death of the king, the son became king, and he called the teacher and asked him why he slapped him for doing no evil. The teacher told him that he knew one day he would become a king and he must know the pain and suffering of the other persons when they are punished for no reason.
East or west home best, they say. Coming home is indeed an experience of warmth, love, affection, recognition and understanding. Jesus came home is an experience of contempt and hatred in the Gospel today. Jesus, who prayed, healed, helped, empowered, shared, and ministered is viewed as a person gone out of his mind. Jesus was a super star and a celebrity outside His home. Some of us are scared going home for being criticised and misunderstood by our relatives and family members. When we want the others to be of the same mindset and to do the things we like, we consider them normal.
There is a quote: I can because I have to. Survival of the fittest is orchestrated as melody of life everywhere. Sacrifice, sharing and serving are debated and discussed in length and mostly looked down upon. Serving one’s own and saving one’s own skin, kith and kin is normal for many. Serving the other is considered as madness and something abnormal.
How do we feel when our family consider us mad and bad person? We are celebrated and sought after by so many people outside the family while family members look down on us as a scorn and embarrassment? Do we appreciate our son, or daughter or spouse for what they are and what they are standing for?
Our concern for others need not be expressed in control and contempt over others. Am I considering others abnormal because they are different from me? As a follower of Jesus, we too can be misunderstood, criticised, looked down upon and not respected by our own family, friends and relatives. It is not worth giving up at all. Let us come closer to our beloved Mother Mary when we feel misunderstood and mistreated by others. Have a lovely day. God bless you.