Bible Event – Jesus’ Life
Who do you include when you use the term, family or brother?
It varies widely across the world. “Family” for some can be just their grandparents, mother, father, brothers and sisters while others add cousins, uncles, aunts and sometimes even friends. Indeed, “Brother” or “sister” is also often used to include close friends.
While Jesus was speaking inside a house to a crowd, his Mother and, “brothers” arrived. A message was passed to him that they were waiting outside and wanted to speak to him. Jesus, using the occasion to share a deeper spiritual message with the crowd, asked, “Who is my mother and who are my brothers?” Then pointing towards his disciples said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother”.
Jesus wasn’t disowning his Mother Mary or immediate family, far from it; He was including them in a universal context, those who believe and live his Gospel will always be His family. (Matthew 12:46-50, Mark 3:31-35, Luke 8:19-21, John 15:14)
Thought
I watched a young mother jokingly but lovingly say to bystanders, “No, no, no.., he’s not mine,” as her son walked along the footpath, his school uniform in tatters and gorging himself on crisps!
Today, our family is everyone we meet and can influence.
Reflection
Lord Jesus, help us to see every child of God as a brother or sister; give us the wisdom to love them as you loved your Mother Mary.
Prayer: Love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes and always perseveres.
Meditation
Hymn: Lord, I Offer You My Life
This is World Malaria Day (UN, WHO). 3.3 billion people in 106 countries are at risk. In 2012, an estimated 627,000 deaths occurred, mostly among the poor. Yet, it’s a preventable disease!
Pray for the poor: Our Father…