Heroic and Crazy

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to explore the painful and pitiful events of our lives for signs of Divine Presence in our journey.

Presence on the Journey

In the reading from the Second Book of Samuel, David mourns for Saul and Jonathan.

Psalm 80 praises Divine Majesty and Human Dignity.

* [Psalm 80] A community lament in time of military defeat. Using the familiar image of Israel as a vineyard, the people complain that God has broken down the wall protecting the once splendid vine brought from Egypt (Ps 80:9–14). They pray that God will again turn to them and use the Davidic king to lead them to victory (Ps 80:15–19). (Psalms, PSALM 80 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is regarded as out of his mind.

* [3:20–35] Within the narrative of the coming of Jesus’ relatives (Mk 3:20–21) is inserted the account of the unbelieving scribes from Jerusalem who attributed Jesus’ power over demons to Beelzebul (Mk 3:22–30); see note on Mk 5:21–43. There were those even among the relatives of Jesus who disbelieved and regarded Jesus as out of his mind (Mk 3:21). Against this background, Jesus is informed of the arrival of his mother and brothers [and sisters] (Mk 3:32). He responds by showing that not family ties but doing God’s will (Mk 3:35) is decisive in the kingdom; cf. note on Mt 12:46–50. (Mark, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Eileen Wirth asks how crazy do serious followers of Jesus have to be?

Hopefully we are willing to be at least a little crazy for Christ even if that just means stepping outside our convenience zones on behalf of others.

Within my parish, there’s a woman who accompanied a death row inmate on his road to execution. That’s beyond most of us but another friend spends hours overseeing health care for our refugee family and many others who help at homeless shelters or just reach out to relatives and friends in need.   We can all incorporate at least one regular significant work of charity or justice into our lives.

We may even feel the radical Jesus hovering near us as we take a friend with dementia to coffee to give their caretaker a break. We can strive to be radically kind -- the craziness that Christ asks of all of us. (Wirth, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus' worried kinfolk,” by Jerome (347-420 AD).

"In the Gospel we read that even his kinsfolk desired to bind him as one of weak mind (Mark 3:21). His opponents also reviled him saying, 'You are a Samaritan and have a devil' (John 8:48)." (excerpt from LETTER 108, TO EUSTOCHIUM) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 3:20-21 comments that some people might not understand us, but many will see our example and wonder what makes us tick. They may even ask us why we are different, because the witness of our lives has awakened a hunger for the Lord inside them. Francis, Maximilian, and many other saints show us this is true. Their way of life is still drawing people to faith today.

So keep on following the Lord and living a life of love and mercy, just as he did. Don’t be deterred if some people think you’re “out of your mind.” Because as you do your best to follow Jesus, you’ll be drawing other people to follow him as well.

“Lord, may I love you with fearless abandon, no matter what anyone else may think!” (Meditation on Mark 3:20-21, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler explores the reaction of David to news of the death of his “blood brother” Jonathan and Saul who tried to kill David. The Greek in Mark’s Gospel may be translated as “family” or “those who were to Jesus.” Friar Jude reminds us of instances in Mark’s Gospel where His followers are confused about His Mission that leads to the Cross.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that in Cole Arthur Riley’s book Black Liturgies, she prays for our capacity to hold together the extraordinary and the ordinary.

God of every beautiful thing,

Make us people of wonder. Show us how to hold on to nuance and vision when our souls become addicted to pain, to the unlovely. It is far easier to see the gloom and decay; so often it sings a louder song. Attune our hearts to the good still stirring in our midst, not that we would give ourselves to toxic positivity or neglect the pain of the world, but that we would be people capable of existing in the tension. Grant us habits of sacred pause. Let us marvel not just at the grand or majestic, but beauty’s name etched into every ordinary moment. Let the mundane swell with a mystery that makes us breathe deeper still. And by this, may we be sustained and kept from despair. Amen. (Rohr, 2024)

We contemplate our journey and seek understanding of how the aspects of life that are mysterious and confusing are often the Way to a closer relationship with God.

References

Mark, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/3? 

Meditation on Mark 3:20-21. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/01/20/878488/ 

Psalms, PSALM 80 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/80?2 

Rohr, R. (2024, January 20). Holding the Tension: Weekly Summary — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/holding-the-tension-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). People Were Saying of Jesus, 'He Is beside Himself'. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=jan20 

2 Samuel, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2samuel/1?1 

Wirth, E. (2024, January 20). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Online Ministries. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/012024.html 

 

Extraordinary Position

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to accept our call to be disciples of Jesus who are led by the Spirit to aspire to life beyond ordinary.

Unique Path

The reading from the Letter to the Hebrews proclaims the Sacrifice of Jesus to purify our conscience from dead works.

* [9:11–14] Christ, the high priest of the spiritual blessings foreshadowed in the Old Testament sanctuary, has actually entered the true sanctuary of heaven that is not of human making (Heb 9:11). His place there is permanent, and his offering is his own blood that won eternal redemption (Heb 9:12). If the sacrifice of animals could bestow legal purification (Heb 9:13), how much more effective is the blood of the sinless, divine Christ who spontaneously offered himself to purge the human race of sin and render it fit for the service of God (Heb 9:14). (Hebrews, CHAPTER 9, n.d.)

Psalm 47 praises God’s Rule over the Nations.

* [Psalm 47] A hymn calling on the nations to acknowledge the universal rule of Israel’s God (Ps 47:2–5) who is enthroned as king over Israel and the nations (Ps 47:6–9). (Psalms, PSALM 47, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, the Blasphemy of the Scribes follows the assertion that ‘He has gone out of his mind.’

* [3:20–35] Within the narrative of the coming of Jesus’ relatives (Mk 3:20–21) is inserted the account of the unbelieving scribes from Jerusalem who attributed Jesus’ power over demons to Beelzebul (Mk 3:22–30); see note on Mk 5:21–43. There were those even among the relatives of Jesus who disbelieved and regarded Jesus as out of his mind (Mk 3:21). (Mark, CHAPTER 3, n.d.)

Mirielle Mason comments that we know Jesus hears this advice, but what does He do with it? He appreciates it, but respectfully declines it and teaches a lesson. When faced with difficulty within a family we must set boundaries, and do so compassionately yet firmly.

Lastly, I am reminded that family is not determined by blood. We choose our family. We may choose the people genetically related to us, or we may not. In this scripture, Jesus makes very clear that the disciples are his companions, and all who do the will of God are family to Him. Not all of us are blessed with a healthy nuclear family. Sometimes, we have to search for one. I would like to encourage those in this situation to be empowered, instead of burdened, by this choice. Those who are true family make themselves known, and we should never forget that we all have a family in Christ and His followers. (Mason, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus' worried kinfolk,” by Jerome (347-420 AD).

"In the Gospel we read that even his kinsfolk desired to bind him as one of weak mind (Mark 3:21). His opponents also reviled him saying, 'You are a Samaritan and have a devil' (John 8:48)." (excerpt from LETTER 108, TO EUSTOCHIUM) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 3:20-21 comments that, in some ways, God still remains “hidden” today—in his followers. He doesn’t always reveal himself in flashy demonstrations of power or bursts of heavenly glory. But he does reveal himself in the ordinary, in our works of love and mercy. These works won’t bring you power, fame, or wealth, but that’s okay. There’s a different power at work in those who minister in his name, the power to change human hearts.

So seek out the Lord Jesus hidden in the Eucharist, in the priest hearing your confession, in the prayerful reading of the Bible, and in parents loving their families. Find him in a friend’s compassion, in your spouse’s patience, and in the distressing disguise of the poor. Jesus is there. He sees and inhabits them all. He sees and values your own hidden sacrifices, too. He is humble enough to be “hidden” within you.

“Jesus, open my eyes to see you. Make me like you, Lord.” (Meditation on Mark 3:20-21, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on how the passage from Hebrews compares the Holy of Holies in the sanctuary to sanctification in the Blood of Jesus. The Gospel from Good Friday details how Jesus opened the veil separating the people from God. Friar Jude reminds us of the sword piercing the thoughts of Mary as the Son of God is revealed in her child.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, offers “I Am” by poet Dedan Gills (1945–2015) as a contemplation on the theme of Nothing Stands Alone.

 

I am old and wise as the night. I am as beautiful as a bird in flight.

I am the moon and the sea. I am the robin and the bee. I am the soil and I am the tree.

I’m the lion and the gazelle. I am heaven and I am hell. I am the ring and I am the bell.

I am the joy and I am the tear. I am the brave and I am the fear.

I am the blistering desert. I’m the freezing snow.

I’m the cringing coward and the gentle hero.

I’m the aged and I am the young. I am the weak and I am the strong.

I am the smile and I am the frown. I am the pauper and I am the crown.

I am the wrong and I am the right. I am the day and I am the night.

I am now and I am never. I am yesterday and I am forever.

I am the bitter and I am the sweet. I live on the hill and I live on the street.

I am the top and I am the bottom. I am Martin, Hitler, Gandhi, and Saddam.

I am red, black, yellow, brown, and white. I love, hate, laugh, cry, and fight.

All the universe is reflected in me. I am all that ever was and ever will be.

When I lose, it’s the lesson that I win. Judging others is my sin. (Rohr, 2022)

We trust that seeking to live with extraordinary love and compassion is our mission regardless of cultural claims of impracticality and foolishness.

References

Hebrews, CHAPTER 9. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 21, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/9?2 

Mark, CHAPTER 3. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 21, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/3 

Mason, M. (n.d.). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved January 21, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/012123.html 

Meditation on Mark 3:20-21. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved January 21, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/01/21/589074/ 

Psalms, PSALM 47. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 21, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/47?2 

Rohr, R. (2022, December 31). Summary: Nothing Stands Alone: Weekly Summary — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 21, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/summary-nothing-stands-alone-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). People Were Saying of Jesus, 'He Is beside Himself'. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 21, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=jan21