First Reading (2 Samuel 6:12b-15.17-19)
Reading from the Second Book of Samuel.
In those days, David set out and joyfully transported the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the city of David. Every six steps they took, those carrying the ark of the Lord sacrificed an ox and a ram.
David, wearing only a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the Lord. David and all the house of Israel brought the ark of the Lord, shouting with joy and blowing trumpets. They brought the ark of the Lord and placed it in its spot, in the center of the tent that David had pitched for it. Then he offered burnt offerings and peace offerings in the presence of the Lord. As soon as he finished offering the burnt offerings and peace offerings, David blessed the people in the name of the Almighty Lord. And he distributed to the entire multitude of Israel, to each man and woman, a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a raisin cake. Then all the people went to their homes.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Gospel (Mk 3:31-35)
— PROCLAMATION of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark.
— Glory to you, Lord.
At that time, the mother of Jesus and his brothers came. They stood outside and sent for him. A crowd was sitting around him. And they said to him, “Look, your mother and your brothers are outside looking for you.” He replied, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And looking at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”
— The Gospel of the Lord.
— Glory to you, Lord.
Reflecting the Word of God
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, may the peace of the Lord be with you. Today, we gather to reflect upon the Scriptures, which serve as the light guiding our steps and the compass pointing to the true direction. May this moment be an opportunity for all of us to experience spiritual growth, strengthen our faith, and encounter the merciful love of our God.
I would like to commence our reflection today with a scene that each of us has, in some way, experienced. Picture yourselves at a grand banquet, surrounded by friends and family, celebrating the joy of life. Smiling faces, contagious laughter, the aroma of a delicious meal filling the air. The atmosphere is laden with gratitude and joy, and everyone is united by the bonds of love and friendship.
This scene brings to mind the biblical passage we have just heard in the First Reading, taken from the Second Book of Samuel (2 Samuel 6:12b-15, 17-19). David, the man after God’s own heart, dances before the Ark of the Covenant with all his might. He is immersed in the celebration, expressing his joy and gratitude to the Lord in such a vibrant way that even his wife, Michal, questions the dignity of his behavior upon seeing him.
How often have we, in our lives, been like David, celebrating God’s blessings with exuberance? It is easy to connect with this scene, for we all long for moments of joy and celebration. However, the Word of God calls us to go beyond the obvious, to understand that our celebrations should not be merely external but should reflect true worship and the surrender of our hearts to the Lord.
In the Gospel according to Mark (Mark 3:31-35), Jesus imparts a fundamental lesson about the true family. He is at the peak of His earthly ministry, and His fame is spreading rapidly. While teaching a crowd, someone informs Him that His mother and brothers are outside, desiring to speak with Him. Jesus’ response, however, transcends blood ties: “Who are my mother and my brothers? Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”
This statement by Jesus may seem perplexing at first, but it reveals a profound truth about the family of God. He is not negating the importance of natural family ties but elevating the understanding of true family beyond blood. The family of God consists of all those who, in obedience and love, do the will of the heavenly Father.
Here, dear brothers and sisters, we find a crucial point of connection between today’s readings: true worship of God goes beyond external gestures and reaches the core of our being, permeating our relationships and transforming our lives. David dances before the Ark of the Covenant not merely as a public demonstration but as a sincere expression of his love and gratitude to God.
Similarly, Jesus teaches us that true family is not determined by blood but by adherence to the divine will. We are called to transcend family barriers and reach out to one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. In our times, where family ties are often challenged by modern society, this lesson is more relevant than ever.
Allow me now to guide you on a journey of reflection on how these biblical truths can be applied in our daily lives. Picture David’s dance as an invitation to dance the dance of life, a dance that goes beyond appearances and reaches the essence of our devotion to God. This dance leads us to recognize and be thankful for the blessings we receive, not only in festive celebrations but in every moment of our journey.
How many times, amidst trials and challenges, do we forget to dance the dance of gratitude? Sometimes, we allow difficulties to overshadow the blessings that God continues to pour upon us daily. In those moments, let us remember David’s attitude and allow ourselves to dance before the Ark of the Covenant amid adversities, acknowledging that God is with us in every circumstance.
Now, imagine the scene described by Jesus in the Gospel. He looks at the crowd, at every face around Him, and declares that His true family is composed of those who do the will of the Father. This challenges us to rethink our definitions of family and to reach out to all those who seek God’s will.
How often, in our communities, do we unintentionally exclude those who do not share the same spiritual surname? Let us be challenged to broaden our hearts and welcome all, recognizing that our true family is formed by those who, together, seek to obey and love our heavenly Father.
In this dance of life, we are invited to abandon the rigidity of conventional family structures and embrace the breadth of God’s family. May our church be a place of welcome and love, where all feel part of the great family that Christ came to establish.
And how can we then incorporate these principles into our daily lives? Allow me to offer some practical guidance:
Cultivate a heart of gratitude: Just as David expressed his gratitude through dance, I invite you to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in all circumstances. Thank God not only in moments of joy but also in challenges, recognizing His constant faithfulness.
Expand your circles of love: Let us reach beyond the limits of our biological families and local churches. Seek opportunities to build meaningful relationships with all those who share the pursuit of God’s will.
Serve one another: The true family of God is characterized by mutual service. Follow the example of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. Engage actively in serving others, demonstrating the practical love that strengthens the bonds of the true Christian family.
Forgive and reconcile: In our life journey, we will inevitably face challenges and misunderstandings. However, as members of the true family of God, we are called to practice forgiveness and seek reconciliation. May God’s grace empower us to overcome barriers that attempt to divide us.
Cultivate communion with God: Just as the Ark of the Covenant represented God’s presence among the people of Israel, let us seek to cultivate constant communion with the Lord in our lives. Prayer, reading the Word, and participation in the sacraments strengthen our connection with the source of true life.
As we conclude this reflection, I ask that, for a moment, you close your eyes and allow the truths shared today to penetrate your hearts. May the Holy Spirit breathe upon us, inspiring us to dance before the Ark of the Covenant in all circumstances of life. May the understanding of the true family of God lead us to build bonds of love and unity that transcend earthly boundaries.
My beloved, may this message not be mere words resonating in our ears but a call to action that transforms our lives. May the dance of gratitude and the embrace of the true family of God become distinctive marks of our spiritual journeys.
In closing this homily, may our hearts be filled with hope, for we serve a God who invites us to participate in His divine dance. May the grace, love, and peace of the Lord be with you, strengthening you at every step. So be it. Amen.
