OBEDIENCE UNITES US TO GOD (MK 3:20-35)

The scribes in the Gospel this Sunday could not bring themselves to believe that Jesus is the Messiah. Despite all the signs Jesus showed them, they still reject him, and even plan for his death. This is known as the unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit. The Apostle St. John explains it: "Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh; such is the deceitful one and the antichrist" (2Jn 1:7). They accused Jesus of having the power to perform miracles that came from Beelzebul. If this accusation had spread among the people, that would surely lead to his loss of credibility. Luckily, Jesus always has his way of defending himself and cleverly avoids their evil plans.

The idea of rejecting Jesus and the will of God is such a frightening thought. For we are now living in a world that has developed a culture that rejects God. We can become victims of this kind of culture. St. Timothy warns all Christ's followers on this: "A time will come when people will not listen to accurate teachings. Instead, they will follow their own desires and surround themselves with teachers who tell them what they want to hear. People will refuse to listen to the truth and turn to myths" (2Tim 4:3-4).

Against this frightening situation, we need to have a defense to keep our souls safe and strong. Our only best defense is Jesus himself. Hence, remaining close to him at all times is important. But being close to someone is not only a matter of being related by blood. Family and blood relation is quite vital in the life of every human being. But Jesus said that it is not an absolute priority. In fact, the best way to be close to Jesus is not by blood relation, but by obeying and doing the will of God. Obedience to God is the perfect way to be truly close to Him. Jesus said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. [For] whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother."

This statement directly points to Mary as the perfect model of obedience and holiness. She is surely the Mother of Jesus, not only on account of her physical motherhood, but more so because of her complete and unconditional obedience to God. Her obedience is steadfast and unceasing throughout her life, and it has never been withdrawn even in those most difficult moments, particularly at the foot of the cross. This is what makes Mary truly the mother of Jesus. St. Maximilian Kolbe explains the reason for her intimate relationship with Jesus: "Mary's will does not differ from the will of God. Calling upon her without reserve, you manifest a love for the will of God, for her will is so perfect that in nothing does it differ from His. Thus you give glory to God that He created such a perfect creature and took her for His Mother." St. Augustine puts it this way, "Mary, full of grace, first conceived Jesus in her heart before she conceived Him in her womb."

St. Thomas Aquinas has this to say: "Obedience unites us so closely to God that in a way transforms us into Him, so that we have no other will but His. If obedience is lacking, even prayer cannot be pleasing to God." When we obey God, we fuse our will to His will, and we practically and intimately become one with Him. Such is the example shown to us by the Blessed Mother. Her absolute 'fiat' to God's will all throughout her life effectively united her with God, thus transforming her from being a simple maiden of Nazareth into the 'Woman Clothed with the Sun."

Obedience is never attractive to people especially in these modern times. It is not easy, and definitely not a good idea to surrender or subordinate one's will to another. This explains the rejection of many towards obedience to God's will. Immersed in the spirit of pride and self-sufficiency, modern man would always choose to follow his own plan and impose his will, even against the will of God.

The attitude and behavior bring in more self-inflicted misery and disaster upon humanity. The rejection of God and His laws results in untold suffering and pain for the whole world. The only way for the world to survive is for people to return to God and once more obey His will and His laws.