Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Readings: 2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27; Psalm 80:2-3, 5-7; Mark 3:20-21
Summary
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.”
(Mk 3:20-21)
Reflection on Saint Francis de Sales
Saint Francis de Sales took seriously the words of Christ, “Learn of me for I am meek and humble of heart.” As he said himself, it took him 20 years to conquer his quick temper, but no one ever suspected he had such a problem, so overflowing with good nature and kindness was his usual manner of acting. His perennial meekness and sunny disposition won for him the title of “Gentleman Saint.” – https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francis-de-sales/
Reflection
Why did Jesus’ family think him out of his mind?
The danger he was in and the protective hearts of his family.
The throng of people following Jesus and their needing him could have easily overwhelmed him and his disciples. Taking a break to eat is a time honored tradition (even to this day, ‘Closed between 12:00 – 12:30 many shop signs say’). Being unable to even eat is the ‘crazy choice’ and on top of that this sacred portion reveals a particular and deeper unbelief that include accusation of being in league with Beelzebul (this pint is just out of range of the gospel selection today).
Were they right in wanting to seize him?
So here is the word play so beautifully made in today’s gospel portion.
There are two definitions of ‘to seize‘:
- to take hold of suddenly and by force.
- to take the opportunity eargerly and decisively.
I propose that the crowds were using the second definition (although a bit unsafely executed) and the family was using the first definition.
Personal Reflection
The take-away for me is simply put: while Jesus is near take the opportunity to be with him not as to seize him but to be in his presence and receive the graces that exude, emit and flow from his very being, joyfully and purposefully, for he loves you.
And, in the first case, stop trying to seize and control Jesus. So many prescribe the perfect liturgy and theology so as to overwhelm the gentle Jesus and his Church. Saint Francis de Sales understood that the Calvinists seize grace —present in every age— over-thinking and owning Jesus. He gently guided them back to grace and ‘taking the opportunity’.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012426.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Thought provoking!☀️