Crazy

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/012415.cfm) reminds me that sometimes other people would see our service to God as something crazy.

We all work to have a living, and for most of us, to succeed in life. We want to be successful, accomplished and respected. That’s why a lot of people are very focused on what they are doing and where they want to go. They have steps to follow, with dates and all, so they would know they are on track. Anything that will delay or distract them would not be entertained. This is why for some people, serving God is not necessary in life. It does not add value to work or career, plus is takes time off that can be used instead for chasing one’s dreams.

Jesus was told he was crazy for doing God’s work, so the opinion of others should not matter to us, because it did not matter to Jesus.

No matter what other people think, Jesus kept going. He was focused on accomplishing what God wanted him to do. In the same way, despite opposition or ridicule that we encounter, we should be like Jesus and continue on, not allowing those things to distract us. We should keep our eyes on the prize and continue to do the work God wants us to do.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for another time to rest and relax. Lord, I am sorry for the times I give undue importance on the opinion of others. Sorry if their opinion make me question what I am doing for you. Help me be focused like Jesus as I do you work. Amen.

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

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January 24, 2015

Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Lectionary: 316

Reading 1 Heb 9:2-3, 11-14

A tabernacle was constructed, the outer one,

in which were the lampstand, the table, and the bread of offering;

this is called the Holy Place.

Behind the second veil was the tabernacle called the Holy of Holies.

But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come to be,

passing through the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made by hands,

that is, not belonging to this creation,

he entered once for all into the sanctuary,

not with the blood of goats and calves but with his own Blood,

thus obtaining eternal redemption.

For if the blood of goats and bulls and the sprinkling of a heifer’s ashes

can sanctify those who are defiled

so that their flesh is cleansed,

how much more will the Blood of Christ,

who through the eternal spirit offered himself unblemished to God,

cleanse our consciences from dead works to worship the living God.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

R. (6) God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.

All you peoples, clap your hands,

shout to God with cries of gladness,

For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome,

is the great king over all the earth.

R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.

God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy;

the LORD, amid trumpet blasts.

Sing praise to God, sing praise;

sing praise to our king, sing praise.

R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.

For king of all the earth is God:

sing hymns of praise.

God reigns over the nations,

God sits upon his holy throne.

R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.

Alleluia See Acts 16:14b

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Open our hearts, O Lord,

to listen to the words of your Son.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 3:20-21

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.”