Theme: God is pleased when we do His will in our lives.
Scripture readings: 1 Sam. 6:12b-15, 17-19; Ps. 24; Mark 3:31-35
We listened to an interesting episode of David’s life. David brings the Ark of the Covenant to his city. The chapter 6 of the book begins with the first unsuccessful attempt of bringing the Ark by David. David was right to bring the Ark because it was fallen in the hands of their enemies. It remained for many years at different places. David wanted to give it a designated place. But he failed in his first attempt. He had good intention because he never understood the will of God.
David had planned many things at the first time. He chose 30000 thousand best soldiers of his choice to bring the Ark. He made a new cart for it. He played different musical instruments. He chose sons of Abinadab namely Uzzah and Ahio as the bearers. They actually represented the strength and goodwill of Israel because their names meant that way. But he failed to take counsel from God. According to Moses, the Levites alone supposed to carry the Ark (Ex. 25:12ff). No one supposed to touch the Ark. It was said, If someone touches the Ark, he will die. (Num 4:15). Uzzah touched the Ark and he was struck by God. This first attempt made David realized that he had not taken the will of God. While making the second attempt of carrying it to his city. He exactly did according to God’s will. His dance shows that he considered himself a devotee, not a king. He placed the Ark in the tent. He offered burnt and peace offerings. He did everything that pleased God. When we do the will of God, everything is pleasing.
Jesus in the Gospel today tells us that those who do the will of God, are His brother and Sister and mother. Mark, the Evangelist arranges this episode to show that Jesus always gave priority to the will of God. He did not care what the others felt. Such as the scribes yesterday accused him for being the son of Beelzebub. Prior to that his own family were suspicious about Jesus. They wanted to lay hands over him, for they accused him out of his mind. (Mk 3:21) When Jesus was told that his brothers and sisters had come; Jesus knew that they were there to stop his ministry. He did not give himself to their demands. [The catholic church believes in the perpetual virginity of Blessed Virgin Mary. The meaning of brother and sisters does not mean that they were biological brothers and sisters. Those days the cousins and fellow companions were also called brothers and sisters.] Jesus in his whole life fulfilled the will of His Father. Therefore, Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane; “Abba Father! All things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me; yet not my will; but what you will” (Mk. 14:36)
Our Blessed Virgin Mary also did the will of God in her life. She said yes to God to be the mother of Jesus. She also chose to follow her Son, perhaps leaving all her cousins behind; therefore, she was found alone with Jesus in His passion and the foot of the cross. Jesus had to give her to His beloved disciple as his mother.
We too are called to imitate Jesus, to do the will of God in our lives. When we are in tune with God like Mary and surrender our lives to Him; Jesus reveals His will to us. Every Eucharist is an opportunity for us to discern the will of God. Let us completely surrender ourselves to Him.
Fr. Alex D’Mello
