RELATIONSHIP BY FAITH
2 Samuel 6:12-15,17-19/Hebrews 10:1-10/Psalm 39/Mark 3:31-35
Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers and sisters are outside asking for you.” This particular verse has been a subject of controversy among believers. Who are the siblings of Jesus Christ? According to the Commentary of the New Community Bible; in the Jewish society, the word ‘brother’ did not necessarily mean ‘blood brothers’ or children of the same parents. Rather, it stands for various degree of kinship; close relatives, members of the same clan or tribe, or even of the same people (Lev.19:18); these ‘brothers’ of Jesus are at best called cousins today.
Apart from the above, the Bible also commented on a new dimension of relationship, called relationship by faith. This relationship exist in the kingdom that Christ has come to establish. In this kingdom we are all brothers and sisters; one family of God not by means of blood but by obedience to the Father’s will (Mark 3:35; Matthew 12:50; Luke 8:21, John 14:23; Gal3:26).
Similarly, David’s action in the first reading teaches us that true relationship with God is not based on status, position, or appearance, but on a heart that seeks to please Him. Like David, anyone who truly belongs to God must be willing to submit joyfully to His will, even when it looks foolish to others.
LET US PRAY
Lord God, teach us to seek relationship with You not through titles, blood, or outward appearances, but through humble obedience to Your will. Amen
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
