Saturday, January 21, 2017
Jesus came with his disciples into the house. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat When his relatives heard of this, they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
(Mark 3:20-21)
I wonder if your relatives wanted to save you, my Jesus. Your mother might be concerned for your safety, but at the beginning of your public life she had said simply, “Do whatever he tells you.” Perhaps the other relatives dragged her along, saying her Son was in danger. What were their intentions? Some of them probably wanted to rescue you. Other might have wanted to squelch you in order to “save face.” Either way, they showed no trust in you. What would I have done?
There are people in my life who have revealed mental illness. My reaction is sympathetic, I think, but at the same time wary. I fear what I don’t understand, and how could I have understood your zeal, your miracles, your total disregard of what we call “human respect,” your indifference to your own needs while caring for the needs of others?
By your grace, you give me faith to know you. I thank you for what faith I have and beg you to increase it, especially in these times of deep uncertainty and fear for our country and our world.