September 24, 2024, Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time-B

Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13

Psalm 119

Luke 8:19-21

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

Lord, I know you well enough to be certain that you would never put down or ignore your Mother Mary or anyone in your family.   You embraced the culture of the time and held your family in very high regard.  What I think your words mean is that you had a larger family than the one defined by bloodlines.  You included all of us who believe in you and follow you in your family relationship.  Instead of excluding anyone you were including all who respond to the word of God.    I am deeply honored that you have opened up your family to include me.  By my baptism and my choice to be your disciple I am as close to you as your Mother and siblings.  So, I have a responsibility to be a faithful member of your family by supporting my new brothers and sisters in every way I can.  I have a new relationship with them.   I sometimes meet people that are disagreeable, obnoxious and even strange and disturbing.  They too are my family if they follow you and are building up your kingdom.  May our faith unite us in one great, big family.  Amen.