United States Conference of Secular institutes

USCSI REFLECTIONS

St. Sharbel Makhluf

Matthew 12:46-50

In the midst of Jesus addressing the people, some of his family members arrive and ask to speak with him. In Mark’s Gospel they come in search of him because they think he had gone mad! Jesus takes advantage of this opportunity and he makes a very radical and shocking declaration. Gesturing to his disciples he says these are my sisters and brothers, this is my family. He redefines family as being based on doing the will of his Father in heaven. Do we realize what it fully means to be able to share with Jesus in calling God our Father? This not only makes us brothers and sisters of Jesus but brothers and sisters to one another. How do we live out that relationship each day?