September 26, 2023, Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time-A

Ezra 6:7-8, 12, 14-20

Psalm 122

Luke 8:19-21

“My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”  Luke 8:21

Lord, your words today lead us to reflect on family and what really binds us to you. Rather than see this incident as a put down of your blood family we can see it as a blessing. Lord, you tell us how we can be full members of your Kingdom family. The key is to first open our hearts to you and your word. The second is to let it change us, strengthen us, and guide us. If we put these two steps as our top priorities, then we will connect with you as family. What an honor and privilege it is to be family to you. Lord, if I put my attention on you first, I will automatically give love and commitment to my earthly family and my church family. Give me a firm and holy heart, dear Jesus, to live in unity with your will and the hopes and dreams of my brothers and sisters. May I always look to your word to guide me in the temptations and challenges of life.  Your grace, I am confident, is sufficient for whatever you desire for me.  Amen.