Daily Reflection – 7/25/2023
Sacred Scripture
Reflection
Jesus said many things that caused people to pause and think. Today’s Gospel passage is one of those times.
Just prior to the passage quoted above, Jesus was told that His mother and brothers were outside looking for Him. After hearing this, instead of going to greet them, He asked those around Him, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” Then He looked around and answered His own question with the above quoted Scripture.What may have caused some people to pause and think at that time, and even now when this passage is read, is that 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 was establishing a deeper context for His new family in grace. Though biological bonds are a gift and should be respected and cherished, the spiritual bonds established by our joint conformity to the will of God is of much greater importance.
Think about this for a moment. 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. Isn’t that the essence of a loving family?
Jesus reminds us that we are offered even more.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).
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.
Prayer of The Day
” My Lord, I desire deeply to become fully a member of your family in grace. Help me to always dedicate myself to the complete fulfillment of the will of our Father in Heaven. And as I conform my will more fully with that of the Father’s, draw me deeper and deeper into union with you.
Daily Note
Jesus offered up his lie on the cross for or sake, so that we could be restored to unity with God. It is through Jesus that we become the adopted children of God – his sons and daughters. That is why Jesus told his disciples that they would have many new friends and family in his kingdom. Whoever does the will of God is a friend of God and a member of his family.
