Breaking the Word

2^nd Week in Ord. Time, Saturday – 21^st January 2023 — Gospel: Mark 3,20-21

Madness of Love

The gospel introduces the family of Jesus in a negative manner.  They think that Jesus has gone out of his mind and want to restrain him. The possible reason why his family thought that he was “out of his mind” was because they believed that Jesus’ commitment to others was excessive. He was working miracles to all sorts of people, which was associated with magic and such persons could either be banned or executed. Thus, his family came to take him away by force. However, Jesus remained faithful to the universal proclamation of God’s word and deed, so that all could be drawn into the eternal celebration of God’s loving presence. Jesus was a man for others to an extent that he and his disciples had no time even to eat. Nothing mattered more to Jesus than feeding the souls of his neighbour with the nourishment of his love and his truth, so much that he neglected to feed himself. His self-sacrificing attitude permeated every moment of his earthly existence, culminating on the cross of calvary.

2^nd Week of Ordinary Time, Friday – 20^th January 2023 — Gospel: Mark 3,13-19

Becoming Collaborators in God’s Salvation

God willed through Jesus Christ that men should collaborate with him in his plan of salvation. He wants to involve others who will help the people to come to know, love and serve Him. Therefore, Christ summoned those whom He wanted, even though humans are mere creatures with limited possibiltes, to help with the great work of the New Evangelization. Nevertheless, Christ does not haphazardly choose anyone to collaborate with Him. He calls each one by name and out of love invites them to be with Him. When He calls by name, He delves into the depths of their heart and soul and identifies with each of them. Christ doesn’t call each one just to enjoy the present life. He gives each one a mission, a specific vocation to fulfill God’s plan of salvation, which is irreplaceable by someone else. This opportunity of sharing friendship with Jesus is an invitation to do something with Him and for Him. His love invites and beckons everyone to collaborate with him. It is an opportunity often challenging yet so fulfilling.