A reading from the gospel of Matthew 12:46-50
46 While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak with him.
47 Someone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you.”
48 But he said in reply to the one who told him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?”
49 And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers.
50 For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.”
Reflection: Doing the will of God
Jesus is passionate in doing His mission. He uses every opportunity to teach the people. When His loved ones wanted to talk to Him while He was busy speaking to the crowds, He took it as an opportunity to make a relevant point, that is, doing the will of the father is the most valuable thing in life.
Jesus never wanted to disrespect His own mother or any of His loved ones but as the “Son of Man”, He does not prioritize the needs of His family over His mission. He is no longer confined to His immediate family but to everyone else. Something that must be learned here: family should never hinder one to serve God.
The behavior of Mary, His mother, must be pointed out here. She did not force herself to approach her son Jesus. She patiently waited at a distance. This is something to be emulated. Patience to wait is a virtue.
The gospel reminds us that we belong to a Family with God as our loving Father. When we seek to do His will, we become the brother, or sister, or mother of Jesus. How wonderful it would be when Jesus Himself would proudly say of us, “here is my brother” or “here is my sister”!
God’s love for us is constant. We may be His prodigal children but He is patiently waiting for our return. May we now “seek first His kingdom” and all the things that we thirst for will be given to us.
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We have heard the saying, “Blood is thicker than water.” This means that family relationship is more important than any other relationships. In Asia, the strong bond of family members extends to members of a clan that include distant cousins and other relatives. The obvious advantage is support given to one another which can even be used to cover up wrongdoings of one member.
For Jesus, the most important thing in one’s life is submission to the will of God. Blood ties should never be an excuse not to follow God’s will. Support of family members should be used for the glory of God and therefore, it should never be used as a vehicle to commit sin or to advance family interests at the expense of the public.
The gospel reading above invites us to a higher relationship than our earthly family. Jesus is reminding us that we belong to the family of God. While the law teaches us to honor our father and mother on earth, He is telling us to honor first and foremost our Father in heaven by doing His will.
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In the Gospel reading above, we find a profound teaching from Jesus that redefines the concept of family. This passage challenges our conventional understanding of family. Jesus emphasizes that true kinship is not defined by biological ties but by spiritual bonds. It is a powerful reminder that the community of believers, united in their dedication to God’s will, constitutes a true family.
In modern society, family is often seen as the cornerstone of support and love. However, Jesus invites us to expand this concept to include all who follow God’s will. This inclusive approach creates a sense of belonging and unity among believers, transcending cultural, racial, and social boundaries.
Imagine a church community where members support one another through life’s challenges and celebrations. A family facing financial difficulties might receive anonymous donations from fellow congregants. A new mother could find comfort and assistance from other parents in the church. In such a community, the love and support typically expected from a biological family are mirrored, demonstrating the essence of Jesus’ teaching.
Throughout history, there are numerous examples of individuals who embodied this teaching by creating spiritual families. One notable figure is Mother Teresa. She devoted her life to serving the poorest of the poor in Calcutta, India. For Mother Teresa, the destitute and dying were her family. She did not discriminate based on race, religion, or background. Her mission was to do the will of the Father by showing unconditional love and compassion to all.
Another example is Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and theologian who opposed the Nazi regime. Bonhoeffer was part of a clandestine seminary where he fostered a strong sense of community among his students, treating them as brothers in Christ. Even in the face of persecution, he maintained that the true family of God is united by their commitment to His will, rather than by blood relations.
On a personal level, this teaching calls us to evaluate our relationships and the way we live out our faith. It encourages us to reach out to those in our church and community who may feel isolated or in need of support. Simple acts of kindness, such as inviting someone over for a meal or offering a listening ear, can embody the spirit of Jesus’ words.
Consider joining or forming small groups within your church where members can share their struggles and joys, pray for each other, and grow together in faith. These groups can become a source of strength and encouragement, reflecting the true family that Jesus spoke of.
This gospel passage is a powerful reminder of the inclusive nature of God’s family. It calls us to look beyond our biological relationships and embrace all who seek to do God’s will as our brothers and sisters. By fostering spiritual kinship, we can create communities that reflect the love, support, and unity that Jesus envisioned. Let us strive to live out this teaching in our daily lives, extending the love of Christ to all, and building a family that transcends the boundaries of blood.
