Reflection for Sunday June 9, Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mark 3:20-35

Gospel: Mark 3:20-35

Jesus came home with his disciples. 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." The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebul," and "By the prince of demons he drives out demons."

Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, "How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand; that is the end of him. 

But no one can enter a strong man's house to plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder the house. Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin." For they had said, "He has an unclean spirit."

His mother and his brothers arrived. Standing outside they sent word to him and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, "Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you." But he said to them in reply, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother."

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Reflection:

What are the consequences that we would receive after we sin? There are many, foremost among these is the control of Satan over us. This is why we keep on sinning until we become numb to committing sin. 

Thus, sinning becomes a lifestyle, an ordinary act for many. However, what many of us don’t realize is that our numbness towards sin becomes an instrument leading to problem-filled and dysfunctional lives.

In the gospel, Jesus is accused by the scribes of being under the control of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Why were they accusing Jesus of being part of Beelzebul's team? Because Jesus was casting out demons from people who were possessed. By casting out demons, the power of Jesus over Satan and Beelzebul was revealed.

Sin is the most effective instrument of Satan to bring people to hell, even while they are still living in this world. This is primarily why Satan wants people to sin, but Satan is no match for Jesus because Satan cowers in fear the moment he hears the powerful name of Jesus.

Many are living in sin right now, leading meaningless lives without clear direction because they have decided to embrace Satan and his many sinful offerings. For those who continue to sin, be assured that the time of retribution will surely come.

For those who will decide to permanently walk away from Satan and his sinful offerings. For those who will decide to embrace the light of enlightenment being constantly offered by Jesus they will begin to live peaceful and meaningful lives. – Marino J. Dasmarinas