‘He is out of his mind’
In this week’s Gospel Mark 3: 20-35, he tells us that when Jesus family heard of all the commotion surrounding Jesus’ ministry in Galilee they went out to seize him, since they thought ‘he had lost his mind’. Later in the Gospel narrative the family arrived to take charge of him. They were unsuccessful.
Often family and friends, with the best intentions, try to dissuade us from pursuing our mission. They believe they are acting in our best interests. They want us to fit the mould, maintain the status quo, while the Holy Spirit could be leading us in a new direction. They may cause us to doubt the promptings of the Spirit. This calls us to embark on the challenging process of discernment.
Discernment requires us to quiet the external voices and internal fears that seek to sway us from our divine calling. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus faced the skepticism of his own family, yet remained steadfast in his mission. Similarly, we must cultivate a deep connection with the Holy Spirit to understand God’s will for us, even when it conflicts with the expectations of those closest to us.
This process involves prayer, reflection, and sometimes seeking counsel from spiritual mentors who can offer unbiased guidance. By discerning wisely, we can distinguish between well-meaning but misguided advice and the true direction we are called to follow. In this way, discernment becomes a vital practice, enabling us to remain faithful to our spiritual journey despite external pressures and doubts.
Jesus’ deep connection with God the Father, fostered through constant prayer, was the foundation of His discernment and unwavering commitment to His mission. Frequently, Jesus would retreat from the crowds and the demands of His ministry to seek solitude and communion with the Father. These moments of withdrawal were not just escapes from the pressures of His public life but essential periods for recharging His spiritual strength and gaining clarity on His purpose.
Through these intimate times of prayer, Jesus received the guidance and fortitude needed to pursue His mission, despite opposition and misunderstanding, even from those closest to Him.
His example teaches us the importance of nurturing our relationship with God, carving out regular times of prayer and reflection to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. It is through this disciplined practice that we, too, can discern our true calling and find the courage to pursue it faithfully.
NOTICE BOARD
Dear friends, I am highlighting two offerings from my website that you may wish to explore and give me your feedback.
The Bible Reading and Study Guide Membership Program has had many views but no members as yet. Please give me your thoughts as to what will make it more attractive and less intimidating. Please click on link below
Parents may wish to explore the Prayer Resource for Families. This resource has had some positive traction. Please click on the link below.