The will to be family

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary are tied to a theme of family and the motivation we have to act in a within our family. David is completing the centralization of his influence over the tribes of Israel by bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The political capital of the his kingdom will also be the home of the most sacred sign of the Presence of God in His Family. The advantages to the presentation of the glory and power of David of this cannot be overlooked. Friar Jude Winkler notes that the burnt offerings offered by David at this time gave him a share in the liturgical and priestly function of the people. Those situations in our lives where our need for self aggrandizement and things to go our way may be the manifestation of the need for our will to be in control, even though we might even attribute our action to doing the will of God. The will of God which is in line with our thinking and needs is easily accepted. The Gospel of Mark portrays a tension between the interests of Jesus family in the way He is bringing public attention to them in controversial encounters with the religious authorities and the proclamation that the family tie which brings life is the one which brings people together to act in accord with the Will of the Father. Our will for honour, position, privilege and respect is very strong. The death to self is the path to greater intimacy within the family of Jesus.