HOMILY OF TUESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Hebrew 10:1-10, Mark 3:31-35
THEME: HOW TO KNOW OUR TRUE FAMILY MEMBERS
Our true relations are those who share in our mission and vision. Our biological root is simply our take off ground. Greater life is out there. However, since one comes before the other, we cannot play down our blood ties. But we must not allow it to crush our ultimate goal in life.
There are some family members who do not share in our vision. There are some siblings who answer the name brothers or sisters only when they know that we have something to offer them. There are some who do not understand our dreams. Some would not allow us to rise above them judged by their age or position in the family. Sharing his dream with his brothers, Joseph became an object of jealousy, and they sold him into slavery. Gen.37:1-44:9
However, our true brothers and sisters are those who know and understand us and are ready to be part of our mission in life. They are those who can discern the rhythm of our life sojourn with us. Those relations will never take our safety and security for granted.
Surprisingly, in today’s gospel, Jesus asked, “Who are my mothers and my brothers? Emphatically, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”
This reaction of Jesus was not meant to discredit his mother or siblings. He was fond of using every opportunity to teach lessons. His mother has a special place in his ministry. She conceived him by succumbing to the will of God. She carried him (the Word) in her womb, and she was always there to support him.
Mary would always want to be with her son. She cares for his welfare. The disciples of Jesus have special concerns for him the same. Obviously, his disciples wanted to use the call of Mary to distract him, thinking that he has done enough for the day. Knowing his special love for his mother, they thought they could use her to get his attention. They needed the master to rest. They wanted him to take some time off. And Jesus would not give way.
That was not their first time. Because of their care for Jesus’ wellbeing, they often scared the crowd away from reaching him. They once prevented the children from reaching him, but he will never allow them. The blind Bartimaeus was a typical example, until Jesus told them to bring him.
Nevertheless, we must know for sure that our care for people can reorder their orientation. We must take care while showing care for others. We must take care about how we protect our loved ones lest we push them out of their goal or prevent them from achieving their ultimate fulfillment.
The Lord Jesus would never allow his lovers to kill his passion or dim his vision.
May he give us his own kind of spirit that we may stand tall amidst the distractions around us.
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