Lk 10:1-9
Then his mother and his 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.”
REFLECTION
We all know the meaning of the often-heard statement that “blood is thicker than water,” and which means that, when the chips are down, I will always favor a blood relationship over other kinds of relationship (business, professional, work, etc.). Furthermore, even if I hate my brother’s guts and am very close to my best friend, if I must choose to help one of them financially, I will feel obligated to help my brother instead of my friend. “Blood is thicker than water.”
Well, with the coming of Jesus among us, all that is changed. For Jesus tells us in today’s gospel reading that dedication to doing God’s will creates a spiritual bond which is stronger than a blood relationship. In other words, doing God’s will creates a bond thicker than blood.
At first blush, this statement of Jesus might seem to somewhat belittle his relationship with Mary, his mother, since she is related to him by blood. But, of course, nothing could be further from the truth. Mary was more intent to do God’s will than any other creature ever was. Why? Because she was sinless, and therefore perfectly attuned to God and his will.
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