Famous Relative

Readings for Tuesday September 22, 2009

First Reading: Ezra 6:7-8,12b,14-20
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 122
Gospel: 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.” (Lk 8:19-21)

Do you have a famous relative? I can tell you from my family tree there is not anyone that I am aware of. Of course the family genealogy has yet to be done, so there is still hope. I always thought that it would be really cool to have a famous relative, perhaps an old civil war hero. Or maybe even a famous explorer. Perhaps a saint or someone else well known for their faith. I think finding people that we have a personal connection to can always inspire us to be our best.

Even though we may not have anybody famous in our family tree, we all have the ability to be in one of the most famous and prestigious families in the history of the world ... the family of God. Jesus makes it clear in the gospel today that his family are those who hear the word of God and act on it. If we so choose to be in this family, it simply takes an act of faith. If we choose to have faith in God and to put His will above our own, then we too can be in the care of our loving Father who is always looking out for us.

As it turns out, we all have a famous Father. May we surrender to the Lord and take the examples of the saints, imitating the Lord and doing all that is pleasing to Him; then we too can be welcomed into His family.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for this day. Lord, strengthen us and guide us as we strive to serve you and do your will in this life. Lord, you are our one good and merciful God, we love you and offer our lives up to you. We pray for all those in need of conversion, and all those who are turned away from you; may they come to know your great love and mercy. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.