Apologies for this being a bit late today! – Dcn Chuck
The Gospel according to 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.”
Reflection:
In today’s very short Gospel reading, it seems like Jesus is distancing Himself from His Mother and His relatives. It’s easy to get to that conclusion, but thankfully, there is also another way of looking at these very challenging verses. Jesus wasn’t saying this to somehow *exclude* His Mother and relatives; He was saying it to show how all of us who are His disciples are *included* in His family.
Luke highlights what the cost is for those who wish to be part of Jesus’ family – we are to hear the Word of God and act upon it. Notice that it’s not enough to just hear the Word. It’s not enough for us to just passively listen, and yet not allow those words to change us from the inside. We have to act – we have to do something! The life of a Christian is not one of being a spectator. Jesus called His first followers to action and He does nothing less for each of us.
Imagine being told the most amazing thing ever, a story that can change the lives of all who hear it. And, then, imagine not saying anything about it. Think of the gifts that are never going to make it to those whom our loving Lord wants to receive them. Each of us who call ourselves a follower of Christ are called not to keep that blessing to ourselves! We are called to share the blessings with everyone.
Just as God did not keep the blessings from us, we too, must share without wondering or considering if the other is somehow worthy. None of us are worthy on our own. It is all a gift! May each of us be willing to freely share that blessing and love, for that is the way to be part of Jesus’ family forever, and to extend His Kingdom a little bit further from our selfless acts of love and mercy.
Action for the Day:
Don’t keep God’s love to yourself. Look for the opportunity to do a kind act to another, and then act upon it. Should God give that that chance, thank Him for it!
If you would like to hear this reflection, click the link below!
