Family is Tough - March 17

Today’s Scripture: Gen. 45:1–15; 1 Cor. 7:32–40; Mark 6:1–13

All three of the Scripture readings have a common theme: family. In Genesis, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and invites them to come and live with him in the land of Egypt. In Corinthians, Paul is talking about marriage and reminding us to be free from anxieties. And in Mark, Jesus returns to his hometown where people know him as the Son of Mary and brother of James, and they cannot fathom that he is able to heal and teach. That famous line comes from this passage of Mark, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country.

For those of us who live with members of our family, this period of isolation likely means more time than usual with the people who are closest to us. I suspect we will become frustrated with each other more than usual. Even for those who live alone, sometimes it is the people closest to us that we can be the hardest to get along with for prolonged times. The people in Jesus’ hometown failed to see the gift that he was to all. Joseph’s brothers did not recognize the true gift to the world of Joseph and his ability to help his family in a time of such need. Those people close to you that might be beginning to get on your nerves are a gift to this world. And so are you! May we remain connected to each other and know that we are all gifts to each other, even in the places we know best. And me we have a little grace with the people who might be overcrowding our personal space.

- John+

Questions for Reflection

• What is something you have to offer that other people do not know about?

• Is there a gift in someone else that you are beginning to see that needs to be encouraged and nurtured?

Daily Challenge

• Pay someone close to you a sincere and thoughtful compliment that would come as a surprise.