Gospel: Mk 3:31-35
Then his mother and his brothers came. As they stood outside, they sent someone to call him. The crowd sitting around Jesus told him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.” He replied, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those who sat there, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. Whoever does the will of God is brother and sister and mother to me.”
Reflections
WHOEVER DOES THE WILL OF GOD IS BROTHER, SISTER AND MOTHER TO ME
When Jesus said this, He surely did not mean to diminish the importance of a family. He was only pointing at a new level of rela¬tionship that goes beyond blood relationship — the bond of FAITH AND LOVE. In our experience as members of a human family, we know the many factors that can lead to conflicts in the family even to rifts and even to hatred. How many cases have we known where the death of old parents can cause envy, jealousy and en¬mity over inheritance. Blood rela¬tionship seems not to overcome such sad alienation among family members. But if their bond goes beyond blood into a strong relationship of FAITH, even if conflicts happen, there is a great chance that they will overcome these and remain in close spiritual union. There is a saying that “blood is thicker than water” – that some¬how we tend to look beyond the failings of those related to us by blood. But I think the one that is more effective in preserving this family unity is when each mem¬ber has truly a deep faith and that each one sincerely wishes to do or to accept God’s will in faith and love. FATHER, THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.
Daily Reflection 2018
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