Gospel Reading: Lk 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.”
MY MOTHER AND MY BROTHERS ARE THOSE WHO HEAR THE WORD OF GOD
This section highlights the importance of responding to God’s Word. Jesus’ mother and relatives want to see Him, but the crowds make it difficult for them to get to Him. When Jesus is told they are seeking Him, he replies with a proverbial-style remark that indicates where His family can be found. Jesus’ family consists of those who hear the Word of God and do it. This emphasis on hearing and doing is common (cf 6:47-49; Jas 1:22-25). The remark reinforces both Lk 8:14-15 and the picture of His message as light in 8:16-18. In sum, Jesus’ remarks underscore the permanent importance of responding to the Word concretely, not just with intellectual understanding. The Bible contends that those who want to walk with God need to have their thinking refashioned along biblical lines. We do not by instinct know how to respond to life (cf Eph 4:17-24). Jesus graphically pushes the point here of the necessity of hearing and doing the Word. Those to whom He feels closest are those who do God’s will. The family of Jesus knows the importance of responding to God’s word as mediated by the one God sent.
Let us not just listen to God’s Word or study it, but live it.
* * *
SOURCE: “366 Days with the Lord 2016,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.