10th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Genesis 3:9-15 - 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 - Mark 3:20-35
The first reading today from the Book of Genesis is one of the best-known stories of the Bible. It recalls the account of when humankind fell into sin, as Adam and Eve disobeyed God and chose to listen to the lies of Satan. As we listen to the story of Adam and Eve, it is a reminder to us that we, too, are in a constant struggle between good and evil.
St. Paul, in his epistle to the church and the faithful in the city of Corinth, reminds them and us to reject the path of sin and return to the Lord. He urges his followers to look beyond the temptations of worldly pleasures and desires and to seek for the true happiness that can be found in God alone. He reminds the faithful that while things of the world will fade away, the Lord alone is a source of certainty and assurance amid all the uncertainties of this world.
The Gospel passage is an account of two groups who misunderstand Jesus, his family, and the scribes. His family thought he was out of his mind. They were ready to restrain him with false charges. They wished to suppress his miraculous works and powerful teaching. They most likely feared for his safety and were acting out of concern, but their intention reveals their lack of belief in Jesus’ mission.
Jesus confrontation with the scribes was also a misunderstanding on the part of the scribes. They were amazed at his powerful teaching and miracles but attributed his powers to His association with demons. They refused to believe in him and even accused him of colluding with Beelzebub, one of the princes and leaders of the demons.
The Gospel narratives emphasize that the mission of Jesus was to defeat the devil once and for all. God the Father sent Jesus into the world to reconcile us with God by defeating the evil one. In this Gospel passage, we see good overcoming evil, even in difficult circumstances. The power and goodness of Jesus surpasses the evil one.
As we reflect on these readings, let us remember God’s love and mercy. Despite our failures, he offers us hope. By remaining strong in our faith and doing his will, we become part of his true family.
Sr. Margaret Flood, OP
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