My mother and my brothers
Published Sep 20, 2022 12:05 am
REFLECTIONS TODAY
In Scriptures, to “hear” (Hebrew shemah, Greek akouein) does not just mean to use one’s ear to perceive a message, but to pay attention that one may understand and obey. To “hear” and to “obey” go hand in hand, especially if what is communicated is the word of God or his command. In fact, the announcement of the message is preceded by the command, shemah (“hear”). The people of God are invited to have an “obedient” ear: “Hear, O Israel!” (Dt 6:4).
In the Gospel reading, at the time when Mary and his relatives come to speak to him, Jesus declares that his family is composed of those who hear the word of God and act on it. Jesus is not repudiating his mother and his relatives. But he emphatically declares that “closeness” with him — and with God — is not a matter of blood ties, which is fundamental in Israel, but of obedience to the word of God. In the Kingdom that he inaugurates on earth, beatitude comes from giving first priority to God.
This Gospel criterion, far from disqualifying Mary, only deepens her relationship with God and with her Son. In fact, Luke presents Mary as a woman who listens and obeys. At the annunciation, she declares to the angel Gabriel: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38). Her fiat, made in faith and obedience, is the source of her blessing.
Gospel • Luke 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.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
In Scriptures, to “hear” (Hebrew shemah, Greek akouein) does not just mean to use one’s ear to perceive a message, but to pay attention that one may understand and obey. To “hear” and to “obey” go hand in hand, especially if what is communicated is the word of God or his command. In fact, the announcement of the message is preceded by the command, shemah (“hear”). The people of God are invited to have an “obedient” ear: “Hear, O Israel!” (Dt 6:4).
In the Gospel reading, at the time when Mary and his relatives come to speak to him, Jesus declares that his family is composed of those who hear the word of God and act on it. Jesus is not repudiating his mother and his relatives. But he emphatically declares that “closeness” with him — and with God — is not a matter of blood ties, which is fundamental in Israel, but of obedience to the word of God. In the Kingdom that he inaugurates on earth, beatitude comes from giving first priority to God.
This Gospel criterion, far from disqualifying Mary, only deepens her relationship with God and with her Son. In fact, Luke presents Mary as a woman who listens and obeys. At the annunciation, she declares to the angel Gabriel: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38). Her fiat, made in faith and obedience, is the source of her blessing.
Gospel • Luke 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.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.