THROUGH UNTRUE In today’s Gospel reading, the relatives of Jesus see Him as someone who is “beside himself” (Mark 3:20-22). The phrase typically refers to a person who is acting crazy due to anger, fear, or any strong emotion that overwhelms him. For sure, St.
Mark is not telling us that Jesus has become insane or unhinged. Instead, he shows how Jesus’s relatives have misunderstood Him. Jesus has changed so significantly that He no longer fits the image they have of Him.
As a result, they interpret His behavior as strange and even irrational. He has become so radically different that they are threatened by His presence. They know him to be an ordinary carpenter.
Suddenly, He abandons this occupation, spends much time in prayer, denies himself the comforts of life, and preaches untiringly to the multitudes. He speaks to demons and casts them out. He prioritizes helping those who are in need over rigid obedience to the law.
He defies religious rituals when these get in the way of loving and forgiving tax collectors, sinners, drunkards, and prostitutes. He makes friends without requiring loyalty checks. Jesus has transformed from being an ordinary carpenter to an intensely religious and spiritual person.
This change elicited a reaction from His relatives similar to ours when a familiar person suddenly devotes himself lengthily to prayer and good works, refrains from saying cuss words, and shakes off his vices. We think he has gone mad or become a fanatic. For sure, Jesus.
