When people close to you, like friends or relatives, are disappointed with you and your decisions, how would you feel? Ok, what if they call you crazy?
Relatives of Jesus did just that. They called him crazy, so to speak.
Jesus came home 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)
But what this bible passage tells me is this... when the Holy Spirit whispers to you and asks you to do something and you feel the inner peace in your heart, however illogical it may seem, just go do it.
Writer Tess Atienza mentioned several "crazy" examples in her reflection published on Didache 2017:
Chinese real estate and hotel tycoon Yu Panglin grew up in poverty and endured so much hardship before he became a millionaire. Fearing that his wealth might corrupt his two sons, he donated most of his remaining millions to charity. He knew, as he experienced, that they didn’t need that much wealth to live happy lives.
Russian businessman Yevgeny Pushenko felt empty even as his garment business was booming. One night, he shocked his friends by handing them the keys to his factory. They learned why the next day. He wanted to be a monk and was set to go on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
These two men’s lives may not equal those of the saints that we know. But in their own ways, they followed the tiny whispers in their hearts that told them that no amount of worldly wealth can satisfy their longing to be happy and fulfilled in life. They didn’t mind that people told them, “He is out of his mind!”
Well said!
REFLECTION:
In your own quiet time, is there a peaceful whisper in your heart telling you to do something? Pray about it.
PRAYER:
Dear God, make the universe conspire to allow me a few minutes of my day to have a peaceful conversation with You. Make my whole being understand what You are telling me with much clarity. Grant me the excitement to do Your will.
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HE IS OUT OF HIS MIND
January 21, 2017
