Gospel: Mark 3:20-21
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.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for Natlie Woodward RIP
.Reflection:
In today’s Gospel, we read that Jesus was described as someone out of His mind, not by the Pharisees and Scribes, but by His own relatives. And just as Jesus was rejected by His relatives, His followers would share the same fate. Such was the experience of Blessed Columba Kang Wan-suk. Initially a non-Christian, she married Hong Ji-yeong who already had a son from a previous marriage. She became familiar with the Catholic faith and was baptized. She brought her stepson Philip Hong Pil-ju into the faith. Unfortunately, her husband ridiculed her for her faith and left her for a concubine. Columba may have been rejected by her husband, but that did not deter her from leading the fledgling Church in Korea. Along with Philip and Fr James Zhou Wen-Mo she was arrested and martyred. Persecution may happen not only from outside, but also from inside the family. If we experience a similar situation, let us take courage from Blessed Columba’s example. The world, including our family, may see us as out of our minds, but Jesus will see us as the wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24-27).
- How do you strive to understand Jesus and His Good News?
- How do you cope with persecutions in the family, if any?
- How do you support fellow Christians persecuted by their own family?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Through the prayers and example of Blessed Columba Kang Wan-suk, grant all families the wisdom and courage to follow You. Amen.
