Gospel for June 9 2024 – Mark 3:20-35
Gospel Reflections for June 9 2024
Who is my family?
This Gospel provides much wisdom to answer that question.
It begins with Jesus expelling the devil from a possessed person. The Pharisees accuse Him of seeking the Devil’s help. Jesus simply asks why would the Devil help Him expel the Devil? That would confirm that Hell is divided against itself, and a sign that the Devil’s reign is coming to an end …through the love of Our Lord!
Jesus affirms here that a family cannot also be divided against itself, and that families must be on the same page for their own goals as well. Parents must be on the same page for any rules of behavior in their home and discipline in their family.
Division is what the devil wants. Our word Devil actually comes from the Greek word Diaballein (similar to Spanish Diabolo) which means to separate. That is goal of the Devil, to separate, while Our Lord wants to unify around healthy rules for family happiness and growth.
Next, the Pharisees refuse to believe that Jesus conquers the Devil through love and forgiveness. That is the unforgivable sin mentioned in the Gospel. God cannot forgive a sin if the person …refuses to believe in His forgiveness!
Forgiveness is simply a promise of no revenge for bad behavior while not forgetting the damage done. Healthy families practice honest sorrow for bad behavior which then requires repentance or a true change to good behavior. Healing happens with that change to true loving behavior. This allows past hurtful events to remain in the past and affirms the hope of a better future.
Finally, as Our Lord is speaking to a large crown inside a house, He hears that His family is waiting for Him outside. He looks at his audience and says in effect, My family are all those who do the will of my Father in Heaven. Of course, no one lived that will of God more than Mary, which might have inspired Our Lord to say just that.
Jesus affirms that mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters, are not just titles, they are behaviors of those who do the will of God, which is living the life of Our Lord! Those who actually behave as true mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters, can deserve that title.
Healthy families are unified, forgiving, repenting, and focused on loving behavior. This is a rich Gospel with much wisdom packed into just a few verses!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
We are likely to become Fathers and Mothers trying to follow the example set for us by our parents we knew growing up. This can form us in ways we can’t explain or understand.
Determining the quality of care and example we give to our own children.
Our Catholic Faith gives great advice to assist us in this task and guides us to succeed.
Our Lord in dealing with the Devil does not beat around the bush. He flat out rejects him and the temptations Presented. That is what we must do as well.
I Am thankful for the Parents I had and the example they set for me. They showed a great example of what Parenting should be.
Beautiful reflections, Tom. Thank you!
Dear Father Dave,
Yes, families encounter problems and must face and deal with them. It’s a serious and sometimes constant battle against evil.
It’s not easy for people to hear about the power of prayer when they are going through their hell of suffering. But the power of prayer does move the mountain. It does change the domino effect of doom and the cyclone of devastation. It does bring us into the light of grace, beauty, and the glory of God’s explosion of eternal transcendence.
God bless!
Kathleen
Well said!