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.”
REFLECTIONS: THEY WISH TO SEE YOU
His mother and his brothers wish to see Jesus. When Jesus is told about this, he answers, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” Jesus recognizes those who give time to listen to his words and take pains in applying them in their daily lives. They are close to his heart and are his mother and his brothers. Jesus teaches that blood relationship, though important and accepted, does not matter as much as how people take his word. His mission is to proclaim the word of God. Rather than rejecting his mother and his brothers, Jesus emphasizes a relationship stronger than blood, in which we are all brothers and sisters of Jesus, children of the Father, brothers and sisters to one another, and heirs to eternal life. Many Christians today do not seem to show much interest in the Bible. Catholics are often distracted by many rites and practices, some putting more emphasis on sacred images and devotion to the saints at the expense of the Word of God.
Something different happens when we go deeper into God’s Word, especially through lectio divina. When we come to know the Word more, we appreciate it better. We are easily transformed by it and become more committed to it. As a result, as his mother and his brothers, we can easily recognize Jesus.
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“When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother’ ( Jn 19:26-27).
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2017” 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.
