“For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

Gospel Reading Mark 3:31-35

The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house. Standing outside, they sent word to Jesus and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, “Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you.” But he said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus’ family comes to greet him while he is addressing an audience. The crowd said to Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, asking for you.” He responds with a simple question, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” At first it may seem like Jesus is ignoring his mother and family. It almost seems like they are not important. He says, “Here are my mother and my brothers.” There is no doubt that Jesus loved his mother and his family dearly. But Jesus is trying to teach his audience that God is what is important in our relationships. That through God we are all one family. We are all children of God and therefore, we are all brothers and sisters. When we form a relationship with God, we form a relationship with every other person. When we think of a family, we probably think of a relationship involving love, affection, kindness, loyalty, support and protection. Our family becomes our security and our foundation. This is what Jesus is telling his followers; a relationship with God offers all these things and more. When we think of a mother, we think of someone who nurtures, who cuddles, and who holds us close or a brother is someone who defends us or confides in us. In God we find that same motherly/brotherly compassion. God is not a set of laws but a relationship. It is through Christ that we become the sons and daughters of God.

A Simple Prayer

Father in Heaven, you are my love and my security.

You give me strength and hope to face the world.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon