He Loved People, But He Could Walk Alone

Posted: 27 Jan 2009 01:00 AM CST (Catholic Exchange)
Heb 10:1-10 / Mk 3:31-35
Today’s gospel records one of the saddest moments in Jesus’ life.
His family thought he was crazy, and they were trying to get him to forget his outlandish ideas and come home with them. What a terrible moment of isolation and utter aloneness it must have been, to be abandoned by those who had been closest to him all his life, those he loved most dearly.
Jesus’ reaction at this sad and humiliating moment is worth pondering at length. He didn’t waver. He remembered who he was and what was the mission the Father had given him. And he stood firm in his commitment … firm and very alone.

There are times in every human life when the normal supports that we’ve come to count on simply aren’t there. The temptation is to scurry to a safe place in the midst of the crowd. The temptation is to bend to the pressures and head for a place in the shadows. That’s when we need to think of Jesus standing tall and alone. That’s when we need to ask his help in remembering who we are and where God has called us.

That’s a prayer that is always answered. And with the answer always comes the strength to stay the course. There are no exceptions, because God is faithful.