Chúa Giêsu có được vinh danh trong nhà của chúng ta? Tại sao người thân của Chúa Giêsu sẽ đã giận dữ và khó chịu với Ngài khi Ngài bắt đầu công khai sứ vụ của mình? Trong một dịp Chúa Giêsu đã nhấn mạnh rằng kẻ thù của chúng ta sẽ có thể là những thành viên trong gia đình của chúng ta (Matthew 10:36). Trong Phúc Âm của thanh Máccô đã ghi lại phản ứng của người thân của Chúa Giêsu khi Ngài về nhà: “họ đến liền bắt Người”, Họ đã chắc chắn và nói là Chúa Giêsu đã mất trí hay đã điên rồ như một người cuồng tín (Mk 3:21). Làm sao mà một người thợ mộc quê mùa ở cái làng nhỏ bé Nazareth này lại có thể trở thành một nhà truyền giáo lưu động được? Để chiều theo cách suy nghĩ của họ, Chúa Giêsu đã bỏ đi sự an ninh và an toàn của một cuộc sống yên lặng và đáng kính để gần gũi với gia đình và những người thân của mình.
Chúa Giêsu cứ ngời là sẽ chỉ gặp những chống đối nơi các thầy thượng tết, tư tế, những Pharêsiu ở Jerusalem. Nhưng Ngài cũng phải gặp sự chống đối của những người thân cận của Ngài, sự kiện này thậm chí còn làm cho ngài bị khó khăn hơn. Khi chúng ta chọn để trở thành môn đệ của Chúa Giêsu và làm theo ý muốn của Ngài trong cuộc sống của chúng ta, chúng ta chắc chắn cũng có thể phải gặp những sự chống đối như thế nơi những người chống lại sứ điệp tình yêu của Thiên Chúa, Tin Mừng của Ngài, cũng như cuộc sống đạo của chúng ta. Nhưng người chống đối mà thực sự sẽ gây nhiếu khó khăn nhất cho chúng ta đó chính là những người gần gũi với chúng ta nhất, những người trong gia đình hoặc bạn bè thân thiết của chúng ta. Vì họ không muốn chúng ta phải bỏ mất nhiều thời giờ quá nghiêm trọng cho công việc rao truyền Tin Mừng ơn Cứu độ của Thiên Chúa. Chúa Giêsu đã gặp sự chống đối của những người trong gia đình, bạn bè, hay của kẻ thù, Nhưng với ân sủng và sự quyết tâm Ngài đã phải chấp nhận để thực hiện ý muốn của Thiên Chúa Cha. Chúng ta có sẵn sàng vâng lời và bắt chước làm theo Chúa Giêsu ngay cả khi những người khác, kể cà những người thân yêu trong gia đình đang chống lại việc làm của chúng ta như vậy?`"Lạy Chúa Giêsu, xin cho chúng con luôn biệt đặt Chúa trước hết mọi sự và tìm được niềm vui trong việc làm theo ý muốn của Chúa. Xin cho tình yêu và đức bác ái của Chúa được lớn lên trong chúng con, đặc biệt là khi chúng con phải đối mặt với những sự chống đối và những nghịch cảnh"
Is the Lord Jesus honored in your home? Why would Jesus' relatives be so upset with him when he began his public ministry? On one occasion Jesus remarked that a man's enemies will be the members of his own household (Matthew 10:36). The Gospel of Mark records the reaction of Jesus' relatives when he went home: they came to seize him. They, no doubt, thought that Jesus must have gone mad or become a religious fanatic. How could a good home-body from Nazareth leave his carpentry trade and go off to become a traveling preacher? To their way of thinking, Jesus had thrown away the security and safety of a quiet and respectable life close to his family and relatives.
Do not be afraid to follow Jesus all the way
Jesus probably expected to meet opposition from the highest religious authorities in Jerusalem. For him to meet opposition from his own relatives must have been even harder. When we choose to be disciples of the Lord Jesus and to follow his will for our lives, we can expect to meet opposition from those who are opposed to the Gospel message and Christian way of life. But the hardest opposition may actually come from someone close to us, a family member or close friend who doesn't want us to take the Gospel message too seriously. Jesus met opposition - whether from family, friend, or foe - with grace and determination to fulfill his Father's will. Are you ready to obey and follow the Lord Jesus even if others oppose your doing so?
Lord Jesus, may I always put you first and find joy in doing your will. May your love and charity grow in me, especially in the face of opposition and adversity.
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.” Mark 3:20–21
Today’s Gospel is among the shortest passages read at Mass throughout the Liturgical Year, yet it conveys a profound message.
The scene opens with Jesus and His disciples—likely the newly appointed Twelve Apostles—taking a moment of rest in a house to eat. Jesus had been tirelessly traveling from village to village, preaching the Kingdom of God and healing many. His reputation had spread far and wide, and people were seeking Him with urgency.
As the crowd discovered where He was, they surrounded the house so closely that even basic necessities like eating became impossible. This detail highlights not a lament over the demands on Jesus’ time but the fervent excitement and longing that drew so many to Him. Jesus welcomed this with open arms, as He always does, moved by the profound needs of the human heart.
Though the disciples might have felt overwhelmed, Jesus’ heart, as Matthew’s Gospel later records, was “moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). His compassion for the crowd reveals the depth of God’s love and His readiness to meet every human longing.
The reaction of Jesus’ relatives offers another important lesson for reflection. Some of His extended family—cousins, aunts, uncles, or others—were alarmed at the crowds He was attracting. They might have been troubled by the growing tension between Jesus and the Pharisees and Herodians, fearing for His safety. Perhaps they struggled to reconcile the stories of miracles and teachings with the humble, quiet Jesus they had known for decades. Since Jesus had not revealed His divine mission during His early life, His sudden manifestation of power likely left them confused and seeking to intervene.
This familial tension reveals an important truth: when God acts powerfully in our lives, we too will change, and those close to us may struggle to understand. Though Jesus did not experience conversion as we do, His family witnessed a profound “change” in that He began to publicly manifest His divinity in a way that they had not seen before.
As we seek to follow Christ more radically, we might encounter doubt or even resistance from family or friends. Jesus’ example teaches us to face these tensions with courage and love, trusting that fidelity to God’s will is always the highest priority. Like Jesus, we must persevere, offering a gentle but firm witness to the transformative power of God in our lives.
As you ponder this Gospel, consider the following: Do you, like the crowd, need to pursue our Lord more fervently, seeking Him with urgency and persistence in prayer? Are you, like the disciples, sometimes overwhelmed by the demands of Christian discipleship? Do you see yourself in Jesus’ extended family, questioning or struggling to understand the radical conversion of someone close to you? Or are you more like our Lord, experiencing the tension of family misunderstanding as you strive to live more fully in conformity with God’s will?
Reflect today on this emotional and multifaceted scene. As you identify with the lessons of this short Gospel, renew your resolve to seek Jesus with all your heart, embrace the conversion to which He calls you, and allow His transformative power to shine through your life. Finally, strive to help others understand and support the new life you have chosen, offering a gentle and loving witness to the joy and peace found in Christ.
My tireless Lord, the demands placed on You during Your public ministry were great, yet You ministered to all with unfailing compassion. Please grant me the zeal I need to always seek You in my life. As I encounter You and am transformed by Your grace, give me the wisdom and patience to be a faithful witness to others, especially my family. Jesus, I trust in You.
Opening Prayer: Lord God, I love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Come to dwell in my house today. Sanctify me with your Spirit and teach me by your Word.
Encountering the Word of God
1. Three Moral Lessons from the Gospel: Although today’s Gospel is short, it contains profound truths about Jesus and our moral lives. First, we see that Jesus lived with his disciples. He made Peter’s house in Capernaum his home for almost three years. And this means that Jesus wants to dwell with us, in our homes and in our families. He wants to be near us and get involved in all the nitty-gritty of everyday life. Second, we see Jesus and his disciples overwhelmed by their mission. Because of the crowds, it was impossible for them even to eat. This too is a common experience. We can be consumed by our work or even by the mission to serve others in the Church. Third, we see that Jesus was misunderstood. Instead of judging that Jesus was giving of himself fully and doing good, his relatives misjudged him as being “out of his mind.” All three things are part and parcel of our everyday experience. First, Jesus chooses to be with us in the ordinary, and we need to let him in. Second, Jesus experienced how life can be overwhelming and knows how to comfort and guide us. Third, like Jesus, we will be misunderstood and misjudged, even when we seek to do good.
2. Introduction to the Devout Life: Introduction to the Devout Life, written in 1609, was the most famous work of Saint Francis de Sales. It was written to laypeople and was compiled from letters to his cousins about seeking piety and devotion amid worldly distractions. It passionately affirms that holiness is accessible to everyone – regardless of vocation, state in life, or temperament. Holiness does not require a radical withdrawal from the world. And it is an error to think that holiness is for monks and cloistered religious or clerics. Structured in five parts, the book guides the soul step by step. First, the soul must be purified from sin and have a firm resolution for devotion through meditation and a spiritual guide. It then emphasizes mental prayer and meditation, the Sacraments, and frequent Communion. This is followed by practical counsel on cultivating a life of virtue – humility, patience, meekness, chastity, and obedience. It gives advice on confronting common temptations with gentleness and trust in God’s grace. With gentle optimism, vivid images, and compassionate encouragement, Saint Francis de Sales portrays devotion as the perfection of charity – a sweet, joyful love of God that makes ordinary life beautiful and prompts diligent good works. It offers a balanced, realistic path to union with God for all who live “in the world.”
3. Quotes from Introduction to the Devout Life: Here are some famous quotes from de Sales’ Introduction to the Devout Life. On the nature of true devotion, he writes: “All true and living devotion presupposes the love of God; and indeed it is neither more nor less than a very real love of God... but when it attains its fullest perfection... then it is called Devotion.” “Devotion is the real spiritual sweetness which takes away all bitterness from mortifications... it accepts gladness and sadness with an even mind, and fills men’s hearts with a wondrous sweetness... devotion is the sweetest of sweets, the queen of virtues, the perfection of love.” True devotion, he writes, is for everyone: “It is an error, or rather a heresy, to wish to banish the devout life from the regiment of soldiers, the mechanic's shop, the court of princes, or the home of married people... Wherever we may be, we can and should aspire to the perfect life.”
On false vs. true devotion, he writes: “One man sets great value on fasting, and believes himself to be leading a very devout life, so long as he fasts rigorously, although the while his heart is full of bitterness;–and while he will not moisten his lips with wine... he does not scruple to steep them in his neighbor’s blood, through slander and detraction.” “If, when stung by slander or ill-nature, we wax proud and swell with anger, it is a proof that our gentleness and humility are unreal, and mere artificial show.” On practicing virtue, he writes: “This is the real fruit of meditation... to dwell upon virtues without practicing them lends to puff us up with unrealities... strive when your meditation is ended to retain the thoughts and resolutions you have made as your earnest practice throughout the day.” On prayer, he writes: “Prayer opens the understanding to the brightness of divine light, and the will to the warmth of heavenly love—nothing can so effectually purify the mind from its many ignorances, or the will from its perverse affections. On the importance of being yourself, he writes: “Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly.”
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, your servant Paul gave his entire life to spread the message of the New Covenant. Help me to do the same and spread the message of the Gospel in my family and my community.
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.” Mark 3:20–21
When you consider the sufferings of Jesus, most likely your thoughts first turn to the crucifixion. From there, you may think about His scourging at the pillar, the carrying of the Cross and the other events that took place from the time of His arrest until His death. However, there were many other human sufferings that our Lord endured for our good and the good of all. The Gospel passage above presents us with one such experience.
Though physical pain is quite undesirable, there are other sufferings that can be just as difficult to endure, if not more difficult. One such suffering is being misunderstood and treated by your own family as if you were out of your mind. In Jesus’ case, it appears as if many of His extended family, not including His own mother of course, were quite vocally critical of Jesus. Perhaps they were jealous of Him and had some form of envy, or perhaps they were embarrassed by all the attention He was getting. Whatever the case may be, it’s clear that Jesus’ own relatives tried to prevent Him from ministering to the people who deeply longed to be with Him. Some of His extended family members made up the story that Jesus was “out of his mind” and sought to put an end to His popularity.
Family life should be a community of love, but for some it becomes a source of sorrow and hurt. Why did Jesus allow Himself to endure this form of suffering? In part, to be able to relate with any and every suffering you endure as a result of your own family. Additionally, His endurance of it also redeemed this form of suffering, making it possible for your family hurt to share in that redemption and grace. Thus, when you turn to God in prayer with your family struggles, you will be consoled to know that the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity, Jesus, the Eternal Son of God, understands your suffering from His own human experience. He knows the pain so many family members feel from first-hand experience. And He is able to look at every family suffering with the utmost compassion so as to give each person who asks the grace they need to not only endure that suffering but also to use it for good and for God’s glory.
Reflect, today, upon any way that you need to surrender some hurt within your own family over to God. Turn to our Lord Who fully understands your struggles and invite His powerful and compassionate presence into your life so that He can transform all that you endure into His grace and mercy.
My compassionate Lord, You endured much in this world, including the rejection and ridicule of those in Your own family. I offer to You my own family and especially the hurt that has been present. Please come and redeem all family struggles and bring healing and hope to me and to all those who need it the most. Jesus, I trust in You.
Opening Prayer: Father, you are always ready to listen to my prayer. You are so patient with me and look tenderly upon me. Help me today as I contemplate your servant, David, and your Son, Jesus. I want to eradicate evil from my life and flourish with the gift of your divine grace.
1. David’s Reaction to the Death of Saul: The Second Book of Samuel opens with the announcement of King Saul’s death by an Amalekite man. Instead of telling David the truth that Saul committed suicide (1 Samuel 31:4), the Amalekite fabricates a lie and says to David that Saul asked him to kill him before the enemy chariots and horsemen got to him and that he acquiesced to Saul’s request. In response, David rends his garments and commands that the Amalekite be put to death for slaying Saul, the Lord’s anointed. The reading conveniently skips over this and concentrates on David mourning the deaths of Saul and Jonathan.
2. David as a New Adam: The deeper meaning of the story is that David is a New Adam figure. Like Adam, David is both a king and a priest. When David kills the Amalekite, he is acting like a righteous king. First, the Amalekite said that he was the one who killed Saul, the Lord’s anointed, and David exacts justice for this killing. Second, the Amalekites, according to the Law of Moses, were under the ban of destruction and were to be eradicated. And David faithfully carries out this command of Moses. Third, David’s actions were similar to those of Samuel, who killed King Agag the Amalekite when Saul refused to do it. Lastly, by eradicating the evil personified in the Amalekite, David did what Adam should have done to the serpent in the garden. There is a true contrast in the two books of Samuel between the disobedient and unrepentant Saul and the obedient and repentant David. David was not perfect, but when he sinned, he acknowledged it and humbly begged for forgiveness. Saul dies by his own hand, surrounded by his enemies, and abandoned by the Lord. Saul was rejected as king because after defeating the Amalekites he did not carry out the command of Samuel in its fullness.
3. Jesus is misunderstood by his family: The Psalm reflects the situation of Israel. The king has been slain and it seems as if God has abandoned Israel. And yet, despite this situation, Israel prays to God: Rouse your power and come to save us. Israel is called to trust in God, who will raise up David as King of Israel and who will one day send his Son to establish the eternal Kingdom. As Jesus announces and establishes the Kingdom of God throughout Galilee, he meets with opposition from the religious authorities who are now plotting to kill him. As well, the crowds gathered around Jesus at the house in Capernaum made it impossible for him and his disciples to eat. Jesus’ relatives try to take charge and want to seize him. They probably wanted to protect him. Whatever the case may be, it shows that even Jesus’ relatives do not understand who Jesus truly is and what his mission is.
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, your closest relatives, your disciples, and your Apostles, all struggled in different ways to understand who you are and what your mission is. Help me to overcome my own misunderstandings and grow in my faith that you are the Christ and the Son of God, who came to redeem me by dying on the Cross and rising to new life.
