Holy Martyrs Florus and Laurus (313-24)
2 Corinthians 9:12-10:7; Mark 3:20-27
Post-feast of the Dormition
Read Mark 3:20-27
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
After He had called the Twelve, Jesus had made the home of Peter and Andrew in Capernaum His base for His mission. The needs of the people were so great that Jesus and the Twelve found it hard to have the time to eat. And it is in the middle of this that the family of Jesus (worded as “friends” in the RSV2CE) notes that Jesus is beside Himself, that is, His teaching and miracles may indeed be the sign of some sort of mental imbalance, which was evidence of some demonic activity. Their desire to seize Him may have been seen as a good on their part as they were only trying to save Jesus from Himself, and desired for Him to return to His known livelihood of making furniture and construction.
We who are disciples of Jesus may also find that our families have a similar attitude toward us. Perhaps we have been called “crazy” or foolish” to be Christian especially since the world puts so much emphases and faith in science, and in the pseudo-science of self-determination and self-actualisation. But like our Lord and His Apostles and disciples, we must press on. In John’s Gospel, we recall: “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘Servants are not greater than their master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also’” (John 15:20). Keeping our eyes upon the Saviour through the thick and thin, maintaining our effort in the running the race, will bring us to the prize (see 2 Timothy 4:7).