***
There’s an old Chinese proverb: “Not one family can put a sign outside their home with the words – No Problems Here.”
Every family – even the Holy Family – experiences some level of conflict.
In Jesus’ case, he experienced conflict from wanting to do his Father’s will.
***
For example, Mary and Joseph scold Jesus when he’s twelve years old after they lose him in the Temple. When they find him, he’s busy speaking with the religious scholars of his day.
Instead of apologizing for getting separated from them, Jesus simply asks them, “Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?”
To Mary and Joseph, his words probably sounded strange, cryptic, or confusing at best. But it was a sign to them that Jesus favored his Father’s will even over his human family.
Then during his public ministry some 20 years later, Jesus’ family tries stopping him from preaching, because his words were controversial.
He taught his followers to love their enemies, to turn the other cheek, to forgive seventy-seven times.
Some people thought he was crazy. Even his family did at times! But it didn’t stop Jesus from preaching – and doing – his Father’s will.
***
Experiencing conflict or opposition shouldn’t stop us from doing our Father’s will, either.
***
For example, being ordained a priest hasn’t always been a popular decision among those I love. But the Lord’s call to me was clear, so I’ve followed him.
What about you? When have you experienced conflict or discomfort as a result of doing the Lord’s will?
***
Maybe your faith led you to make an unpopular career change; maybe it helped determine who you married; maybe it led you to give someone who hurt you another chance.
***
This is what makes us Jesus’ sisters and brothers, he says, doing his Father’s will.
What, then, does that look like for me today?
***
