Tenth Sunday of the Year (Year B)

Tenth Sunday of the Year June 09, 2024

Genesis 3:9–15; 2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1; Mark 3:20–35

(Image Courtesy: Google)

M. H. Schubert shares the story of a group of fishermen in the Scottish Highlands. They gathered for tea and discussed the day's catch. As a waitress set down a cup of tea, a hand accidentally knocked it against the wall. It left an ugly stain. One of the guests got up, went to the wall, and began sketching around the stain with a crayon. What emerged was a stag with magnificent antlers. The man was Sir Edwin Landseer, England's foremost painter of animals. If an artist can transform an unsightly stain into a beautiful masterpiece, think about what God can do with our sins. He absolves them and, in their place, refashions us toward full maturity.

Often, our friends, family, or childhood companions may not listen to us or accept the grace, love, and encouragement we offer because of their familiarity with us. They may not recognize us as the instruments appointed by God, the bearers of God's healing and saving grace. However, we must confront such rejection with prophetic courage, for our Baptism calls us to be prophets like Jesus, sharing in his prophetic mission.

As prophets, it is our duty to speak the truth and confront the wrongs in our society, never condoning or promoting sinful behavior, even among our loved ones. We should also recognize, value, and support the prophets among us who advocate for truth and justice in our society, armed with the wisdom of God, the power of the Holy Spirit in their speech, and the bravery of God in their deeds.

The first reading from the Book of Genesis takes us back to the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve have just disobeyed God’s command. This passage recounts the tragic moment of the fall of humanity. Adam and Eve, having eaten from the forbidden tree, hide from God in shame and fear. When God calls out, “Where are you?” it is not a question of location but of relationship. It is an invitation for Adam and Eve to acknowledge their sin and seek reconciliation.

This moment highlights the universal human condition: our propensity to hide from God when we sin. Yet, even in the midst of their disobedience, God promises redemption. The enmity between the serpent and the woman, and between their offspring, foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death. This passage reminds us that even when we fall, God’s love and mercy are always available to us.

The Gospel reading from Mark presents us with a powerful lesson on the true nature of kinship in the Kingdom of God. Jesus is confronted by his family and the scribes, who misunderstand His mission and accuse Him of being out of His mind and even possessed by Beelzebul. In response, Jesus redefines family not by blood, but by obedience to God’s will: “Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

This radical statement challenges us to consider our own relationships and priorities. Are we truly living as members of God’s family? Are we aligning our will with God’s will? Jesus calls us to a deeper commitment to follow Him, placing God’s will at the center of our lives. This call to discipleship requires us to go beyond superficial relationships and to cultivate a genuine, obedient relationship with God.

As we reflect on these readings, we are reminded of God’s infinite mercy, the hope of resurrection, and the call to true discipleship. We are invited to examine our own lives, to seek God’s forgiveness where we have fallen short, and to renew our commitment to follow Christ.

Let us take to heart the words of the psalmist, crying out to God from the depths of our need and trusting in His mercy. Let us heed St. Paul’s encouragement to look beyond our present trials to the eternal glory that awaits us. And let us embrace Jesus’ call to be part of His family by doing the will of God.

May the Holy Spirit guide us and strengthen us on this journey, helping us to grow in faith, hope, and love, and to live as true children of God.

Happy Sunday