Welcome to the Family

Readings for Tuesday July 20, 2010

First Reading: Micah 7:14-15,18-20
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 85
Gospel: Matthew 12:46-50


While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak with him. Someone told him, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you." But he said in reply to the one who told him, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother." (Mt 12:46-50)

One desire that we all share is the desire to be a part of something special. Each of us wants to know that we belong, that we have a place in this world. The truth is that God invites each of us into His family. He does not need us to be a part of this family, but He wants us to be a part of it. We are His children, and He wants everyone to loved and cherished as only He can. Sadly, many people reject this invitation, and they never realize all the joy and peace that they are missing out on all because they are rejecting being a part of God's family.

So if God wants us to each be a part of His family, then one of course must ask the question, "how does one become a part of God's family?" Jesus tells us simply in the gospel reading today. When told that His mother and brothers were outside wanting to talk to Him, Jesus uses this as a teachable moment. He asks, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" Then goes on to give us these words of wisdom; "whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother." So there is it, the answer to our question; how do we become a part of God's family ... by doing His will out of love for Him. There is no contract to sign, no lawyers needed; just a desire to do His will over our own. And what is God's will for us? While God's will for each person is different, we each share this basic purpose: to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength; and our neighbor as our self. This is God's will, if we can do this, then we will be welcomed into the family with open arms.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Thank you for the gift of our lives, and for all the blessings that you give to us. Lord, you are our rock and our salvation, help us to never veer from the path you have set for us. Lord, help us to have courage in this world, and to persevere until the end. Help us to run a good race and to seek out the prize of eternal life by following your will each day. Lord, we pray for all life, for pregnant mothers, and for an end to abortion. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.