Concern Care and Confusion

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today remind us of the concern and care that family and friends express when they are present to us in times of distress and loss.

Family Responds with Care

The Reading from the Second Book of Samuel presents David’s response to the Report of Saul’s Death.

a. [1:1] 1 Sm 30:17–20; 31:1–13

c. [1:11] 2 Sm 13:31.

d. [1:12] 1 Sm 31:13.

j. [1:26] 1 Sm 18:1–4. (2 Samuel, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 80 is a community lament in time of military defeat.

* [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.)

The Gospel of Mark presents Jesus' relatives gathering prior to the Blasphemy of the Scribes.

* [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 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Elvin Cardoso, SJ, comments that, in the Gospel, Jesus presents us with a more challenging perspective on relationships. His mission brings tension even within his own family and circle of friends.

Those who thought they knew him best struggled to understand his actions and his sudden break from a familiar way of life. Their concern was rooted in closeness, yet it prevented them from truly listening to what he was saying and seeing who he was becoming. Jesus’ response is not a rejection of family or affection but a commitment to God’s will.

The invitation of the gospel today is to really examine our own priorities. We often define ourselves by our roles, relationships, and the expectations others place on us. While these can be life-giving, they can also limit our ability to respond freely to God’s call. Jesus shows us that faithfulness may sometimes lead to misunderstanding, resistance, or even rejection, especially from those closest to us. Yet he remains steady, anchored in his relationship with the Father.

Let us choose then to listen to God’s gentle voice and respond accordingly to Him. (Cardoso, 2026)

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 may not understand such sacrificial love. They might say, “You don’t have to go that far.” Sometimes you may even wonder if they’re right! But no matter what anyone says, it’s never a waste to pour yourself out for the Lord and his people. It’s never a waste to spend the night in prayer or to give up comfort in the name of love. God sees every sacrifice you make, and he blesses them all.

Today, let’s pray for all the selfless servants we know—and for those whose acts of love go unnoticed. And if you are feeling stretched to your limit by the call to love, take heart. Jesus sees you, and your fellow readers of The Word Among Us are praying for you.

“Lord Jesus, strengthen your servants today.” (Meditation on Mark 3:20-21, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in 2 Samuel a messenger tells David that Saul and Jonathan have died. David mourns their death and the friendship in a pact to protect them and the passing of the Saul, an anointed one of God. This was written in the days of David and it indicates that he should be respected. In the Gospel of Mark the family come to take Him home. What part of the family, “they” is unclear. Is it the family or the people around them? The preaching of Jesus to suffer and die is in contrast to His Kingdom The reaction of the Pharisees is to claim that He is possessed by the devil. The family is simply confused. There is no third group in Mark who accept Jesus from the start. This reflects our faith life of wondering who Jesus is and the mission to which He has called us. Friar Jude comments that we need to struggle to accept Jesus too.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Potawatomi author Kaitlin Curtice who shares a poem from her book Everything Is a Story, reminding us of our capacity to keep growing.

We reflect on our faith, family, and friends as agents of the Holy Spirit to bring consolation and comfort when events have disrupted our peace and changed our life long relationships.

References

Cardoso, E. (2026, January 24). Daily Reflection January 24, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved January 24, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-january-24-2026 

Mark, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 24, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/3?20 

Meditation on Mark 3:20-21. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved January 24, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/01/22/1484856/ 

Psalms, PSALM 80 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved January 24, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/80?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 24, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/called-by-god-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 24, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

2 Samuel, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 24, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2samuel/1?1 

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