Family

And looking round at those sitting in a circle about him, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers. Anyone who does the will of God, that person is my brother and sister and mother.
Mk.3:35

WIth his family outside calling for him, Jesus expands on what it means to be in his family. Anyone who does the will of God.

It's tempting to think that to do the will of God and qualify as God's family one has to be perfect. However, here we have a circle of people simply listening to Jesus and he called them family. Now that I can do and in fact are doing right now. 

What a relief...

Thank you Jesus that, by including me in that gaze around the circle, you make me family.

Bless not Blaspheme

Let anyone blaspheme against the Holy Spirit and he will never have forgiveness: he is guilty of an eternal sin.
Mk.3:29

Scribes have accused Jesus of doing the work of the devil by casting out demons. Jesus warns them that to ascribe the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan is an unforgivable sin.

It is surprising and sobering to learn there is an unforgivable sin. Yet, here we have it directly from Jesus. I need to be very careful before calling someone evil. Their actions may be different, unsettling, annoying, even hurtful yet still be the work of the Holy Spirit. 

That grit in my teeth, that pebble in my shoe, that rock on which I stubbed my toe could be Jesus at work. Jesus came to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.

Holy Spirit, help me recognise you at work so I may bless and not blaspheme.

The Master

The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath; the Son of Man is master even of the sabbath.
Mk.2:28

For the Pharisees, religious law was paramount. For Jesus, human need is paramount. 

I cringe when I hear factions in the Church arguing religious points of view, both conservative and liberal. The unbelieving world just shakes its head and walks away. Let's shine the spotlight back on Jesus. When he is lifted up all men are drawn to him. That's his promise.

Jesus, help me shine on you today, our master. 

New Wine Fresh Skin

No! New wine, fresh skins!
Mk.2:22

Jesus defends his disciples from the accusation of lack of fasting. He is something new that requires something new. A relationship with him is more important than religious observance.

When I invite unchurched people to an Alpha Course, a common obstacle is their repugnance of religion. I explain to them they're not being invited into a religion, they're being invited into a relationship. 

I love our Catholic liturgy, but it only makes sense to a person who has a relationship with the one to whom it all points. I had to experience the love of Jesus before religion was rightly seen as a way to get closer to him. First, my heart had to be softened. Kerygma then catechesis.

Thank you Jesus for always being something new. May I always be a fresh wineskin. 

Rubble

It is not the healthy who need the doctor, but the sick. I did not come to call the virtuous, but sinners.
Mk.2:17

Jesus works miracles in broken lives. His favourite building material is a pile of broken rubble. It's hard to rebuild a solid concrete wall. 

It's my pharisaical pride that puts up walls to Jesus working in my life. 

Jesus, I knock down the walls. Rebuild me into the person you want me to be.

Friends

Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, ‘My child, your sins are forgiven.’ 
Mk.2:5

The faith of the paralytic's four friends results in him receiving two great gifts, physical healing and forgiveness of his sins.

Friendship is such a gift. It can be life changing. I was helped and welcomed into the Church through friends. I have three very close friends who I call my 3am Friends. We have prayed together for years. If I were to call them in need at 3:00 am, I know they would respond. I am blessed by these men, my life is richer because of them.

Today's Gospel has prompted me to contact these men and thank them for their friendship.

I thank you Jesus for the friends you have placed in my life. Help me be a faithful friend to them.

Irresistable

Feeling sorry for him, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him. ‘Of course I want to!’ he said. ‘Be cured!’ 
Mk.1:41

Jesus heals the leper motivated by love for a man deemed unlovable. 

When I feel like a dirtbag I judge I am out of reach of God's love. Wrong! That's exactly when I am irresistible to him. Jesus came for the sick, thanks be to God.

Praise you Jesus. Your love conquers all.