A homily on Mark 3:6–12 : Withdrawing Wisely ( 22-1-26)

 A simple meditation on Mark 3:6–12 showing how Jesus withdraws from danger but never from human need. (22-1-26)

Praise be to Jesus Christ

As I was reading today’s Gospel, an incident came to my mind. It was once shared with me by a senior sister during a visit to her convent. In a remote village, there was a small religious community where sisters lived and worked among the people. One of the sisters served as a doctor. Over time, suspicion arose and accusations were whispered. For the sake of peace and safety, she withdrew quietly, and many believed she would never return.

Months later, an epidemic spread through the village. The villages were filled with fear because they lacked medicine and no one was there to help them. Then one morning, the villagers saw a familiar figure walking into the village. It was the same sister and  She opened her bag and began to serve, staying with the people until the danger passed.

This simple story opens a deep window into today’s Gospel. Just before this passage, we are told that the Pharisees and the Herodians took counsel against Jesus to destroy him (Mk 3:6). The danger was real, and Jesus knew it. So he withdrew with his disciples to the sea (Mk 3:7). This withdrawal was not because of fear, but because of wisdom.

Yet the Gospel shows us something equally important. Though Jesus withdrew from those who planned to destroy him, he did not withdraw from the people who needed him. Crowds followed him with sickness, pain, and broken lives. Jesus responded with compassion. He healed many, and those troubled by unclean spirits were delivered (Mk 3:10–11). Threat did not cancel compassion, and withdrawal did not end the mission for which he came.

This same pattern is seen in the life and mission of the early Church. In the Acts of the Apostles, Paul preached boldly in Damascus. When his life was threatened and people planned to kill him, the disciples helped him withdraw quietly by lowering him in a basket through the city wall (Acts 9:23–25). Paul did not see this withdrawal as failure, but as waiting for the right moment. After a time of silence and preparation, he returned and continued his mission with greater strength, carrying the Gospel to many lands (Acts 13:2–3). Withdrawal protected the mission, and returning fulfilled it.

Here lies a word we rarely use, but deeply need: discernment. Jesus and Paul both show us when to step back and when to step forward. They are silent before violence, but active before suffering. Even when unclean spirits cried out, Jesus ordered them to be silent, because truth does not need loud voices or public display (Mk 3:12).

In family life, this Gospel speaks quietly. There are moments when silence is wiser than words, when stepping back prevents deeper wounds. But when someone in the family is weak or struggling, love does not remain distant; it returns with renewed enthusiasm.

In religious and priestly life, misunderstanding and accusation can wound us deeply. Jesus teaches us that it is right to withdraw for prayer and clarity. But the mission should never be abandoned. When people suffer, even those who once accused or opposed us need our presence. A heart formed by Christ cannot stay away and should not stay away.

Lord Jesus, give us the wisdom to withdraw and the courage to return. Amen

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