From the responsorial psalm: “Give me discernment, that I may observe your law and keep it with all my heart. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 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.”
In yesterday’s Gospel, Jesus describes the word of God as light. Today, Luke sets a scene in which Mary and the family members of Jesus stand outside, desiring to see him. As much as the word of God illuminates darkness, obedience to it reveals a new claim to the meaning of family in a relationship with the Father that extends beyond human ties. To live in accordance with God’s will is not to diminish the place of family on earth but to raise the standard of discipleship and to honor first the kingdom of God. Goodness will follow. “But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness,” Jesus says in Matthew, “and all these things will be given you besides.”
God, help me understand that my place within my human family loses nothing by hearing and acting on your word. It is a way through faith that transcends human definitions of kinship. Mary and the family of Jesus naturally wanted to see him to care for him and look after his well-being. Instead, your Son showed them that by being obedient to you, he had food to sustain himself that they didn’t know about. Of all people, Mary would have known the source of this food, which Jesus brings to light to all who look to him. Blessed are those, Lord, who hear your word and observe it!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.