Gospel: Luke 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.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for Catherine Gordon Smith RIP.
Reflection:
Some people have the view that this Gospel passage was an affront to Mary and Jesus’ cousins. They thought that this story was a rebuke against our devotion to Our Blessed Lady. On the contrary, Jesus praised His Mother, as well as His relatives, for their obedience to God’s will. In the Annunciation, Mary acknowledged herself as the “handmaid of the Lord”. As handmaid, she faithfully followed the Lord and stored in her heart the mysteries revealed to her by God. Her blessedness is rooted in the blessed fruit of her womb, Jesus. Like Mary, we too strive to “hear the word of God and act on it”. Doing so, we share in that personal relationship with the Lord. By having that kind of relationship with Him, we belong to His family. “Christians are truly that family about whom Jesus speaks…We, and all those who want to do God’s will, are Jesus’ “mother” and “brothers and sisters” (Mother Elvira Petrozzi).
- How do you hear God’s word and act on it?
- How important is reading the Bible for you?
- How can your devotion to Our Lady deepen your relationship with Jesus?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Like Mary, help us to discern and obey the Father’s will so that we may be counted among Your family. Amen.
Sincerely,
Pietro
