Greetings on this the Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Gn 3:9-15; Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8; 2 Cor 4:13—5:1; Mk 3:20-35

Summary

In our gospel portion today we encounter the three basic responses to the life of Jesus and the divine graces that flow from him.

1. Outright Rejection – The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.”

This description of Jesus’ healing work in regards to evil is rejection. Rejection of God’s plan and God’s way, leaving in place the plans I/We have and the way I/We are in control of the direction. If we reject the basis of his work, we can reject the entirety of his healing works. It is useful to remember this gospel portion is right after The Mission of the Twelve where He appointed twelve [whom he also named apostles] that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons (Mk 3:14-15).

• The first group (the Scribes) rejects God’s plan for them so they attack the authenticity of the Author of the plan.

Jesus responds to them where they are at, namely, the table of power. “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

2. Disbelief or weak belief – When we are in disbelief of God the exaggeration of danger exceeds our trust in divine grace. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” It is useful to remember this gospel portion will soon tell the story of The Rejection at Nazareth, the very same place of this story today. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house. (MK 6:4).

The second group, the relatives and friends of Jesus, wish to preserve him from harm. “He is out of his mind.” if he thinks he can survive or help the throngs of hungry and needy masses. They may accept these healings (withered hand, a large number healed through teaching and deeds of power) as the presence of God but God is not strong enough or disinterested enough to protect Jesus. And by extension, themselves.

• The second group (the extended family and friends of Jesus) rejects God’s interest in or his power to help them. They question the reliability of the Author of the plan.

3. Brothers and Sisters and Mother – the third group is a combined group consisting of his Mother and Brothers (not of the ‘relatives’ group in disbelief), as well as, And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother. This third group are the ones who do the will of God in faith. It should be noted it is not enough to ‘see’ Jesus in action rather the hidden grace that powers the action: we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal.

The third group accepts God’s plan for their life, and having belief in the Divine Presence and Divine Plan, follow the essential command of the Lord, For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

Reflection

The first and second reading today give us good instruction of the three ways to understand and encounter Jesus. Satan does not approve of nor accept God’s plan for him and anyone else for that matter. This is the extreme of evil. To name holiness as evil to cloak one’s own evil. Jesus describes Satan as committing the unforgiveable sin: But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.” We are warned not to join that camp.

Eve, for her part, was in weak faith. She did not believe the Lord has given everything for her and that he held back the fruit of the tree not as an act of protection but as an act of oppression. Adam too agreed with this assessment being One Flesh with Eve and the disobedience. This is the naked truth.

But the Lord continues to protect us, even after the fall, [To Satan] I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.” Adam and Eve are given the path to follow and it isn’t toward Satan.

Personal Reflection

Each day I must make a choice. Follow or reject God’s plan for me. Have weak or strong faith in the love and power of God. Do or not do the will of the Father.

• Follow the plan.
• Faith in the plan and its Author.
• Actions of faith in love.

Trust that the Lord will rescue you as he rescued Adam and Eve.

Scripture readings

Full set here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060924.cfm

First Reading

the LORD God called to the man and asked him, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.” Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked?

Responsorial

With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.

Second Reading

For we know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent, should be destroyed, we have a building from God, a dwelling not made with hands, eternal in heaven.

Gospel Acclamation

Now the ruler of the world will be driven out, says the Lord; and when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.

Gospel

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry