Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 8:19-21

 

The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

 

Wow, can you believe that Jesus blew-off his mom.  How much trouble would you be in if you didn’t acknowledge your mom.  After reading the Gospel, it might appear that Jesus is rebuking his family. His family comes to see him but because of the crowds they cannot get near him. When told that his mother is wants to see him, Jesus responds, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” Did he just rebuke his mom? There is no doubt that Jesus loved his mother very much, but today’s message helps us understand the depth of the relationship we should seek with God. He is calling all of us to be one of his siblings. God never intended humans to be alone. In the beginning when God created man and he was alone, God saw that was not good and Adam was lonely. To respond to this solitude, God created a companion for Adam and man formed a relationship with woman. In today’s gospel, God is telling us that while the relationship with your family is important, it is nothing unless that relationship is centered on God. Only through your relationship with God can you elevate your earthly relationship to a heavenly relationship. All relationships should include a communion with God.  To be in communion with God, we must participate in the Word.  We must be willingly to allow God to take control of our life and lead us to Him.

 

Being a good Christian is more than following the Ten Commandments, it is about establishing a relationship with God and making him head of your family. Today’s gospel challenges us to take the relationship deeper by elevating the importance of that relationship. By making your relationship with God the most important relationship in your life, we commit to a relationship of love. Any relationship founded on true love includes trust, commitment, loyalty, kindness and compassion. If we have this type of relationship with God, it will flow down into our other relationships. It will become the foundation for all relationships we form on earth. Every relationship you form on earth should mirror your relationship with God. Your relationship with other men and women should be Christ centered. The relationship should mirror the relationship you would have with Christ.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

My Heavenly Father, I love you and cherish you.

I desire a relationship with you.

May all my relationships mirror the one you desire from me.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon