Gathered Around Jesus – Mark 3:20-21 Reflection
We can appreciate that Jesus’s “relatives” tried to prevent Him from spending time serving others. His relatives knew how much He was doing took a toll on his mind and body. However, they did not understand that Jesus’s divine connection was to a source of infinite capacity. This was not the last time Jesus would have the ability to push his mind and body beyond the ordinary. Without the same unlimited resources as Jesus, we can overextend ourselves without self-realization. We have all had situations in which others may have warned us that we may be putting working for Jesus over other parts of our lives. Looking back, you may perceive you were excessive and out of your mind for Jesus in those moments. We cannot forget we also minister to our family and friends in ordinary ways. If this resonates with you, it is acceptable to be like others in the crowd gathered around Jesus to be present instead of “doing.”
The Meal in the House of Matthew by James Tissot.
The full-resolution painting and more details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Mark 3:20-21 – Scripture*
Then he went home; 20 and the crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat. 21 When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, “He has gone out of his mind.”
Additional thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Mark 3:20-21 Reflection – Gathered Around Jesus.
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Mark 3 passage.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Gathered Around Jesus