Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop, Doctor
Saturday of week 2 in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Mark 3:20-21
In today’s Gospel, Jesus is profoundly misunderstood, even by those closest to Him, who think He has lost control because of the total self-giving of His life. This misunderstanding reveals the cost of a love that does not protect itself, calculate outcomes, or seek approval. Jesus gives Himself so completely to the needs of others that His way of living appears excessive, unreasonable, even dangerous. Yet this is precisely the logic of divine love: a love that empties itself for the sake of others. The misunderstood Jesus is not weak or reckless; He is faithful to the mission entrusted to Him by the Father. On the feast of Saint Francis de Sales, a gentle shepherd who taught that holiness is lived through humble, patient love in daily life, we are reminded that true charity often remains unrecognized or misjudged. To follow Jesus means accepting that love given freely may not always be understood, but it always bears fruit. In giving ourselves for others, even when misunderstood, we share in the very life and love of Christ. Let’s reflect: Am I willing to give myself in love for others as Jesus did, even when my intentions are misunderstood or my self-giving is not appreciated?
Don Giorgio