Circle Of Ohana

My first reading of Mark 3:20-35 showed a Jesus who seems angry with all his talk about houses divided and Satan and denying his own family. As I sat and reflected on my first reading I had a difficult time imagining a Jesus who talks about the division and denial of loved ones. I let those thoughts swirl through my mind, thinking that maybe there was a message God was trying to get to me. I waited and waited until finally I wasn't thinking anymore and caught myself watching morning TV.

So I refocused and read the passage again, this time with a more loving, accepting, and unifying mind. After the second reading I just sat and chuckled at myself as I understood better what Jesus is trying to tell us. If we stand together in the acceptance of all people regardless of who they are we will be able to live as one  family united in the love of God.

In Hawaii we have a word which is defined as family; ohana. That word has a much deeper meaning, though, as it is meant to include all people within a community. In Hawaii, as in other places around the globe, family does not begin or end with your parents and siblings. There are aunts, uncles, and cousins which have to be included as well. Add to this our best friends who we call brother and sister as well as their parents who we call aunty and uncle. Then there's the friends from neighboring towns who we call cousin and their parents who we call aunty and uncle. Let's not forget our parent's aunts, uncles, and cousins, and, and, and. I think you get the idea.

We are all family, and when we stand together in times of crisis to build a shield of love in support of those within our ohana there is nothing - nothing - that can negatively penetrate the circle. Nothing. Jesus wasn't denying anyone, nor was he talking about being divided; he's talking about forming that same circle around those we love to help keep those within our circle safe in times of need.

Treat everyone you meet as though they were family and place them in your circle of love. And thank Jesus for talking in parables which force us to open our minds and hearts enough to understand his words better.