Reflection: Mark 3:31-35

Third Week in Ordinary Time – Mark 3:31-35

The scene of today’s Gospel portrays the arrival of Mary, Jesus’ mother, as well as his brothers. Rather than coming into the house where Jesus was staying, they all remained outside the house and called out to Him. The people around Jesus told Him that His family had arrived.

However, rather than immediately going to find His family, Jesus says to His listeners: “Who is my mother or my brothers?” Jesus then looks intently at the people and simply says: “Here is my family: my mother and my brother.” He goes on to say that any person who does the will of God becomes a member of His family!

Perhaps the question we need to ask ourselves is, are we doing the “will of God?” How do we know what the “will of God” is? Do we trust that whatever is going on in our lives (good or difficult), is the “will of God?” We all know that life is not easy. There are good times in our lives that bless us abundantly. And there are painful and difficult times in our lives that may prompt us to question God or to wonder where God is! It is easy to sense God’s presence and love when all is going well. And often it is difficult to experience God’s presence when life is challenging. However, God’s presence doesn’t change! It is our perception that changes!

In the difficult times, do I turn to God or do I shut God out? At these times, I usually am tempted to blame God for what is happening in my life. However, these are the times when I/we need God the most. We all know that “bad things happen to good people.” However, when we are the one that bad things are happening to, we may lose our normally clear perspective and belief!

Are we able to trust God at these times? Do we stay open to God’s presence and grace? May we pray for one another that we will trust God during difficult times. However, God will be with us whether we believe that or not! God will never desert us!