He is out of His mind
Published Jan 24, 2026 12:05 am
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Updated Jan 23, 2026 05:55 pm
REFLECTIONS TODAY
Biases and prejudices often prevent people from having an objective judgment and appreciation of the person’s character.
Jesus has detractors who question his moves and choices. When he joins people’s fellowship, he is branded as “a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Mt 11:19).
Because he drives out demons, the scribes from Jerusalem say he is in league with Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Even his relatives think—or news have reached them— that Jesus has gone “out of his mind” (v 21) (Greek exestē) because, as he is swamped by many requests for healing, he does not anymore enjoy a decent meal.
“Fake news” or made-up stories spread by people, especially religious leaders, affect Jesus’ relatives who value their good name and the reputation of their family member. They go to him to attempt to protect him and shield him from further shame and embarrassment.
Jesus, however, would not be distracted from accomplishing his mission. Some people are considered “out of their mind,” not because they are mentally or psychologically deficient, but because they dare to be different.
They are zealous for a cause, to the extent that they “neglect” their safety or fail to provide for their future. Do you admire these people? In what way do they resemble Jesus?
First Reading • 2 Sm 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27
David returned from his defeat of the Amalekites and spent two days in Ziklag. On the third day a man came from Saul’s camp, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head.
Going to David, he fell to the ground in homage. David asked him, “Where do you come from?” He replied, “I have escaped from the camp of the children of Israel.”
“Tell me what happened,” David bade him. He answered that many of the soldiers had fled the battle and that many of them had fallen and were dead, among them Saul and his son Jonathan. David seized his garments and rent them, and all the men who were with him did likewise.
They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the soldiers of the Lord of the clans of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.
“Alas! the glory of Israel, Saul, slain upon your heights; how can the warriors have fallen! “Saul and Jonathan, beloved and cherished, separated neither in life nor in death, swifter than eagles, stronger than lions! Women of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and in finery, who decked your attire with ornaments of gold.
“How can the warriors have fallen — in the thick of the battle, slain upon your heights!” I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother! most dear have you been to me; more precious have I held love for you than love for women. “How can the warriors have fallen, the weapons of war have perished!”
Responsorial Psalm • Ps 80
“Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.”
Gospel • Mark 3:20-21
Jesus came with his disciples into the house. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat.
When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2026,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.