Into the House

Into the House

January 26, 2013

Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops

By Your Daily Tripod Staff Writers

I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands.  For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.  So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God.  2 Timothy 1:6-8

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.”  Mark 3:20-21

Piety by Beth De Cristofaro

Although Jesus “came home,” He actually lived in the presence of God so completely that His home was unrecognizable to those who thought they knew Him.    Would it not be wonderful to be considered out of our minds because our minds were constantly centered in Jesus?  That we lived so completely in the sure knowledge and hope that within the salvation won for us we are building the kingdom of God rather than kingdoms of power,  politics, riches or professional success.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be out of our minds not in stress, fear, ignorance, compulsions, pettiness, miserliness or other earthly symptoms of false Gods, but to be out of our minds and in the mind and will of God.   Lord Jesus, bring me home to you.  

Study by Melanie Rigney

There's eating, and then there's eating. The tables of food at Cursillo Closings, Ultreyas, and other gatherings fairly groan with the kind of food our bodies need. (Or think they need--"heavy hors d'oeuvres"? Hah! In six years of going to Cursillo events, I've yet to see less than enough food to feed twice the number of people there, and then some, as a full meal.) And yet, our memory the next day is not of how great the chocolate cake was, or how amazing the hummus was. Instead, we remember the words of comfort or encouragement provided by an old friend or perhaps a new one... or the witness... or the power of the community prayer. And, like Jesus' relatives, our own may think we are out of our minds. And we are, in a way.

We are out of our minds... and into our souls. We are another feast of joy and love and community closer to the ultimate banquet with God.

Action by Colleen O'Sullivan

Close your eyes and imagine the scene.  Jesus at home.  Crowds gathering.  Family members convinced that Jesus has totally lost it.  Listen to what the people are saying.  Look at the expression on Jesus' face.  Consider whether anyone has ever tried to "seize" you, to separate you from your faith?  How did you respond?  You might want to end by praying for the strength and courage always to uphold your faith.

Editor's Note: 

Today's Gospel reminded me of that line in De Colores about Cursillistas "who don't pay attention to human opinion."  We certainly share that trait with Jesus.

Because this "edition" of Your Daily Tripod is the 2,500th reflection, we offer you a little buffet of thoughts from each of us.  Thanks to Beth, Mel, Colleen and Fr. Joe for their efforts to keep this going.  Plus thanks to our occasional guest writers like Jack, Diane and others.  Who would have thought on Ash Wednesday 2006 that these reflections which started as a team exercise would still be going?  Through the collective work of this "team," Your Daily Tripod now reaches more than 500 people through daily e-mail and another 1,700 people per month on the web site.

All of us (writers, editors, readers) are united in our desire to follow the Fourth Day.  Getting notes from you help to remind us of the value that is speaking to the community through these.  Thanks welcoming us into your house by sharing your e-mail and eyeballs with Your Daily Tripod.  And thank you for stirring into flame your gifts from God through your acts of piety, study and action that offer holy hospitality to Him who sent us on this path and those we meet everyday.