RELATIONSHIP BY FAITH
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 many believers. Some believe that Jesus had other siblings; 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.
Consequently, Jesus told them “Anyone who does the will of God, that person is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:35). Let’s keep to his will. “Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.” Says the response to today’s Psalm. The first reading continues with this same theme saying; obedience to God’s will is far more important than sacrifices and oblation. It is not enough to fast and pray, are you ready to do his will?
The life of St. Francis De Sales, whose memorial we honor today, was instrumental in the expansion of God’s Kingdom. His entire existence was a manifestation of God’s will. What can be said of us today?
LET US PRAY
Grant, Lord, that in the service of our fellow-men we may always reflect your own gentleness and love, and so imitate Saint Francis de Sales, whom you made all things to all men for the saving of souls. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
