Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Who are my mother and my brothers?”

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.”

Who are your brothers and sisters?  Who is your mother and father?  Jesus’ own mother comes to visit him, yet he seems to rebuke her. He responds with a simple question, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” At first it may seem like Jesus is ignoring his 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 family dearly and especially his mother. So what is the message that Jesus is trying to convey?  That God is what is important in our relationships. If God is truly part of your family, then everyone connected to God is part of your family.  This truly the definition of one church untied by Christ. We are all children of God and therefore, we are all brothers and sisters of Christ. 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.  A brother is someone who defends us or confides in us and a sister who is one we share our deepest secrets and our passions. In God we find that same motherly/brotherly/sisterly compassion. God is not a set of laws limiting what we are allowed to do, but a relationship with God that allows us to share our love and compassion. 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