Monday, March 1
David, Bishop of Menevia, Wales (544)
Mark 3:7-19a
Like so many of the Gospel readings, this one is filled with a variety of characters, some not as obvious as others. As I read this there are some characters I certainly identify with, others I really want to deny being anything like and still others I would like to aspire to.
Jesus speaks of the “large crowd,” “people from many different places,” “people crowding him,” “people begging for healing.”
Where do I fit?
I would hope to be at least part of the crowd, but how far would I be willing to travel to see him? Would I be one that jumps up and down struggling to be heard and seen? Would I push and shove to be up close? Or, would I shyly stay in the background? Then there are the disciples; how far would I go to be in that group? How willing is my heart? Jesus then culls that group down even further by “calling” then “appointing” and finally “designating.”
And don't forget the “evil spirits.” Wow, do I see me in them?
Lent is that time to prayerfully consider who I am for Jesus and who I want to be. I will admit the answer changes often. Maybe that is one of the great mysteries and miracles of the Gospels; we see part ourselves in every character.
Jennie Perry