"Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?... whoever does the will of my heavenly Father. is my brother, and sister, and mother." Matthew 12:48,50
It is always good when someone recognizes us and is happy to see us. When we read today's gospel it is easy to focus on what we might perceive as hard words from Jesus when he is told his mother and brothers are standing outside waiting to speak with him. Only Jesus knows what was in his heart and on his mind when he replied in the manner he did: "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" But the message is clear – those who come to him to do the will of the Father are part of the close-knit family. No one is excluded. There are no outsiders in the family of God. The bond Jesus had with his mother and the rest of the family was strong enough to be shared. Aren't we fortunate to be part of that!
Can you recognize the people around you as mothers, sisters, brothers of Jesus? Do you recognize yourself as part of that family?
Good and gracious God, give me the grace to know I am part of your family. Show me ways to include others, especially those I find difficult to see as a brother or sister or mother.
Today's Reflection is by:
Sister Cathy Cahill, OSF
Did you know...
Sister Cathy Cahill, OSF, is a Franciscan Sister of Allegany who has been ministering in the diocese since 1989, primarily in retreat work and spiritual direction, She is a member of the community at St. Clare Convent in Tampa.
