Mark 3:20-21 NRSVue
20Then he went home, and the crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat. 21When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, “He has gone out of his mind.”
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Some thoughts on this scripture
Reflection
Those who knew Jesus well seemed to be surprised by how he lived and acted. I pray for the freedom that I need not to be hemmed in by my habits or by the expectations of others.
Reflection
To live freely is to challenge those who accept constraints. I pray for the courage that I may need to let myself be led more by the spirit of God.
Reflection
/They said: ‘He is out of his mind.’/ There was a melée round Jesus that
embarrassed his relatives. They felt he was making a show of them, and wanted
to take control of him.
Reflection
Lord, there have been times in my life when I felt I was causing my relatives
embarrassment, disapproval or concern. I did not enjoy the experience; it
confused or even infuriated me. You have been there before me
Reflection
The family didn’t like what was happening to Jesus. The large group of
cousins and extended family who were his family circle seem to have been
embarrassed by him. He was breaking out of convention, both religious and
cultural. Maybe they felt they were in danger or under suspicion because of
him. People ,like Jesus who dare to be different cause suspicion,
embarrassment and general unease with others close to them. This split of
Jesus and his family would widen until after his death. His mother Mary
seems to have understood and stood by him. In prayer allow times you may have
found something similar when you were different from others by what you stood
for and be grateful; or be grateful for others whom you have met who dared to
make a difference for the good in the lives of others.
Reflection
Sometimes it's good to go out of our minds, like Jesus seemed to be. We go
out of our own concerns and plans to find the mind of God. The journey of
prayer is to put on the mind and heart of Christ.