Daily Reflection – 1/24/2023
Sacred Scripture
Jesus’ mother and brothers came. As they stood outside, they sent someone to call him. The crowd sitting around Jesus told him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you”. He replied, “Who are my mother and my brothers?”. And looking around at those who sat there he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. Whoever does the will of God is brother and sister and mother to me.” (Mark 3:31-35)
Reflection
Today’s scripture offers an invitation that, if accepted, will change our lives.
Jesus’ comments can easily be misunderstood. Some will conclude that He was distancing Himself from His own family and that He was even disowning them to a certain extent.
But nothing could be further from the truth.
Instead, he invites us to be part of His family. Joining that family contains but one provision.
To do the will of God.
That leads to a number of questions for us. How do we know what the will of God is? Do we trust that whatever is going on in our lives (good or difficult), is the will of God? We all know that life is not easy. There are good times in our lives that bless us abundantly and there are painful and difficult times in our lives that may prompt us to question God or to wonder where God is. It is easy to sense God’s presence and love when all is going well. And often it is difficult to experience God’s presence when life is challenging. However, God’s presence doesn’t change; it is our perception that changes.
Think about the difficult periods of your life. Some will turn to God with even more devotion. But others are tempted to blame God for what is happening. To wonder “where is God in all of this?”
But those are the times we need God the most. We all know that bad things happen to good people. However, when we are the people that bad things are happening to, we may lose our normally clear perspective and belief.
Are we able to trust God at these times? Do we stay open to God’s presence and grace., God will be with us whether we believe that or not! God will never desert us! Isn’t that the very definition of what family is about ? Love, closeness and always being there for those you love.
If you can accept that then let’s discuss how we understand and then follow out the will of God.
What is the essence of being a Christian? It is certainly more than doctrine, precepts, and commandments. It is first and foremost a relationship – a relationship of trust, affection, commitment, loyalty, faithfulness, kindness, thoughtfulness, compassion, mercy, helpfulness, encouragement, support, strength, protection, and so many other qualities that bind people together in mutual love and unity.
God offers us the greatest of relationships – union of heart, mind, and spirit with himself, the very author and source of love (1 John 4:8,16). God’s love never fails, never forgets, never compromises, never lies, never lets us down nor disappoints us. His love is consistent, unwavering, unconditional, and unstoppable. We may choose to separate ourselves from him, but nothing will make him ignore us, leave us, or treat us unkindly. He will pursue us, love us, and call us to return to him no matter what might stand in the way. It is his nature to love. That is why he created us – to be united with him and to share in his love and unity of persons (1 John 3:1).
He will pursue us, love us, and call us to return to him. Now THAT is the WOW factor. Some may turn their backs on God and stray from the family. But time and again, scripture reminds us that He will seek out the one that is lost. He will never stop loving us!
Please take that into your heart today. Let His love which is greater than any earthly love flood you. Let His love for you – as you are – wash over you. Let His love be a never-ending companion for you. Let His love be both your strength and consolation.
If we accept and allow His love to surround us each day, we WILL know the will of God. It’s trusting Him, talking with Him, letting Words FILL us. If we do, we walk the path of God’s will.
Prayer of The Day
“Lord, help me to always listen with an open heart. Help me to reflect upon Your words with faith. In this act of faith, allow me to grow deeper in my bond with You as I enter Your divine family. Jesus, I trust in You.”
Daily Note
There is a mysterious reality here. I can actually bring consolation to Christ’s heart. I can accompany him on his divine mission. I must be willing to renounce my will and do only the will of the Father. Can Christ point to me and say, “He is my brother; she is my sister; she is my mother”? I must look at my life and see what is not in conformity to his will. I must make a firm resolution to show my faith and love in the very thing that is most difficult for me.
