Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Or Optional Memorial of Saint Angela Merici, Virgin
Mark 3:22-30
A Call to Hope and Trust

In this Jubilee Year of Pilgrims of Hope, the Gospel of Mark reminds us of the growing tension surrounding Jesus as He brings the Good News to the people. With every healing, teaching, and liberation, Jesus draws many to hope and freedom. Yet, opposition rises from religious authorities, relatives, and even bystanders who misunderstand or fear His mission. In these conflicts, we find a profound message for our journey as pilgrims of hope.

The religious authorities accuse Jesus of acting through Beelzebul, denying the clear evidence of His works. Their slander stems from fear—fear of losing control and their place of influence. In response, Jesus offers three powerful insights.

First, He compares their claim to a divided house, illustrating its absurdity. To attribute the healing and liberation He brings to evil is to deny the obvious truth. Second, Jesus presents the image of the strong man. He shows Himself as the stronger one who overcomes the powers of evil, freeing those bound by fear and sin.

This is the essence of hope: knowing that Christ’s strength is greater than anything that seeks to oppress or divide us. Finally, Jesus warns against the sin against the Holy Spirit—the refusal to accept God’s forgiveness by closing oneself to His grace. God is always ready to forgive, but we must open our hearts to receive it.

As pilgrims of hope, we are called to trust in Christ, the stronger one who liberates us. We must also examine our hearts: Do we resist the evidence of God’s love and power in our lives? Do we use our words to build up or to slander?

In this year of grace, let us journey with open hearts, ready to receive God’s forgiveness and share His hope with a divided and hurting world.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025