He is out of his mind

Greetings on this the Saturday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 2 Sm 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27; PS 80:2-3, 5-7; Mk 3:20-21

Notes

Grief is powerful. One can be so overtaken as to be out of one’s mind. In the case of David, he was not prepared to hear the news of the death of Saul, Jonathan and his brothers Abinadab, and Malchishua. His grief was compounded by the fact he did not come to their aid and rather had offered to fight against them until he saw the effects of the raid on Ziklag. A complicated man indeed.

All this insanity is about power and possession. The insanity of evil and those who pursue these ends. Even David caught up in the strife by his own free will suffers the loss of his most precious friend, Jonathan, I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother! Most dear have you been to me; More wondrous your love to me than the love of women (2 Sam 1:26).

Summary

By way of contrast we have Jesus. So committed to the teaching and healing of the people that his own life was in danger. It wasn’t that he couldn’t eat any one meal. It was because he couldn’t eat any meal such was the press of the needs of the human family.

They thought him mad, out of his mind and without good sense to preserve himself. But Jesus wasn’t in it for himself. He was in it for us.

Reflection

If we are to be thought mad may it be for all the right reasons!

Personal Reflection

If people think me out of my mind may it always be for the reason of the benefit of the human family. Certain volunteer responsibilities are coming to close. My patients are in their final stages, soon I can pause that ministry for a time. My officership with the HOA comes to its term conclusion. Soon I will take a five week camino again, through the Appalachian Trail section walk (AT). Off to the back country for prayer and a monastic living for a time. I’m out of my mind, yes, but in the way that should bring renewal and aid.

Even in God’s good world, there is another world whose false values constantly tempt us (https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-anthony-of-egypt/).

First Reading

David seized his garments and rent them, and all the men who were with him did likewise. They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the soldiers of the LORD of the clans of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

Responsorial

Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.

Gospel Acclamation

Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.

Gospel

Jesus came with his disciples into the house. 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.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry