*** 1st Reading ***

Hebrews 9:2-3, 11-14

 A first tent was prepared with the lamp­stand,

the table and the bread of the presence, this is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain, there is a second sanctuary called the Most Holy Place, But now Christ has appeared as the high priest with regard to the good things of these new times.

He passed through a sanctuary more noble and perfect, not made by hands, that is, not created. He did not take with himself the blood of goats and bulls but his own blood, when he entered once and for all into this sanctuary after obtaining definitive redemption.

If the sprinkling of people defiled by sin with the blood of goats and bulls or with the ashes of a heifer provides them with exterior cleanness and holiness, how much more will it be with the blood of Christ?

He, moved by the eternal Spirit, offered himself as an unble­mished victim to God and his blood cleanses us from dead works, so that we may serve the living God.

 

Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

God mounts his throne to shouts of Joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.

 

**** Gospel ****

Mark 3:20-21

They went home. The crowd began to gather again and they couldn’t even have a meal. Knowing what was happening his relatives came to take charge of him: “He is out of his mind,” they said.

 

Gospel Reflection

Jesus is now a victim of His own fame. Wherever He goes people flock to Him. From that time on, private moments would be precious commodity. There are simply too many people in need of Jesus’ ministry.

That is why His family has to take charge of the situation. They too are inconvenienced because Jesus is in their place. they could not understand why Jesus has to entertain the people at the expense of His own comfort.

That is why they thought He is crazy in doing this extraordinary feat of service. The availability of Jesus to other is overwhelming.