This past week our daily scripture readings continue on the previous week’s theme of the arrival of a “time of fulfillment” – the dawn of a new era for humanity with the coming of Christ into our world.  And we hear that Jesus is certainly changing it up, leaving many pondering his meanings, and maybe many more questioning his sanity.

On Monday (Mark 2:18-20) we hear people questioning Jesus on his seeming disobedience to the long standing fasting laws.  On Tuesday (Mark 2:23-28) we hear Jesus being challenged for allowing work on the Sabbath.  On Wednesday (Mark 3:1-6) we hear the religious leaders disapproval of Jesus healing on the Sabbath.   In all of this we see Jesus introducing a new way – one based not so much on the letter of the law but rather on the spirit of the law – a new mindset where love and compassion are at the forefront.  This is a mindset that informs our actions and compels us to form relationships founded on care and concern for others – a solidarity that springs from the very covenant God establishes with us through Jesus.  

On Thursday (Hebrews7:25 – 8:6) we hear St. Paul speak about this covenant and newness of life – – a “better covenant…enacted on better promises” and on Friday (Hebrews 8:6-13) a covenant where the laws are “written on our hearts and minds” – laws that are not burdensome, but liberating.  To close the week, today we hear that many in the crowds who had been listening to Jesus and observing his actions come to believe that Jesus was “out of his mind” (Mark 3:20-21).

Yes, change is hard.  And for the people of Jesus’ time, it might have been hard to understand where Jesus was coming from.  Thankfully we are the beneficiaries of two thousand years of guidance and revelation from God’s Spirit including the writings and teachings of many Spirit-filled holy men and women, and the well-formulated doctrines of our Church.  We are the beneficiaries of God’s revelation through Christ.  God helps us to understand this new covenant and the newness of life that Jesus and Paul speak of.  With Jesus as our model and with his Spirit as our guide and strength, we go out and try our hardest to live this new covenant of love every day.  To not do so, we would be out of our minds.