Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations. — Psalm 96:3

Mass Readings: 2 Timothy 1:1-8 or Titus 1:1-5/Mark 3:20-21 

Cost of Discipleship 

What an unusual Gospel we have today — so short, and yet so strangely significant. Jesus’ own family says He’s “out of his mind.” To be honest, what Jesus says does sound kind of crazy: Love those who hurt you; turn the other cheek; give away everything and follow me. It’s easy to imagine what must have been going through His family’s collective mind. 

Jesus was countercultural then, and He’s countercultural now. If we really follow the Gospel, we, too, may be branded as crazy. Today’s reading reminds us that our God came into our midst and suffered ridicule and far worse for His message of love, mercy, and compassion. Are we willing to follow, even if people are likely to say we’re out of our minds? 

Prayer: I’m willing to stand with You, Jesus, even if the world rails against me.