Mewditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 12:46-50

While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak with him. Someone told him, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you." But he said in reply to the one who told him, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother."

If you were to take a pole to find out who is the most important person, the majority of people would respond their mom. Mom is the foundation of caring and compassion. But in today’s gospel reading, it appears that Jesus is blowing off his own mother and family. When he is told that his mother and family were there to speak with him, Jesus responded, "Here are my mother and my brothers,” indicating those that had gathered to hear the Word of the Lord were his family. Jesus was not ignoring his mother, but instead he was teaching his disciples the significance of a relationship with God. Our relationship with God is the most significant relationship we can seek and that all who seek the Lord are our fellow brothers and sisters. When I begin my letters with “My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ” I am acknowledging the fact that we are all part of a family of Christ. I consider that we all form a unique community centered on the teachings of Jesus and the Gospels. Christianity is centered on this relationship with God; a relationship that binds us together like family. When we think of a family relationship, we think of the trust, the compassion, the loyalty and the love that our fellow family members put forth for the family unit. When we establish a relationship with others, we are forming a community. If we form this community out of love, we are forming this community with God. Whoever does the will of God is a member of this family. God is our Father. Like a Good Father, he seeks us out and tries to keep us safe. He provides for all our needs, both earthly and spiritual. We must love him and our fellow brothers and sisters.

A Simple Prayer

Most Heavenly Father, You are the leader of my Family.

You provide for us and keep us safe.

Allow me to glorify your family,

To show love and compassion as you have shown me.

Allow me to grow within the family and to become a worthy member.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon