9/26/2023 (Tuesday) Today’s gospel Reading: Luke 8:19-21

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

9/26/2023 (Tuesday) Today’s gospel Reflection: Luke 8:19-21

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.