Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: July 23, 2024

Date: Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  MT 12:46-50

While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak with him. Someone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you.” But he said in reply to the one who told him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s gospel text is challenging. Jesus’ response to being told that his family is outside wishing to speak to him is not a denial of his love for them but rather a testimony of what is essential, namely, doing the will of the Father. We know well that when presented with the Father’s desire that she bear a Son through the power of the Spirit, Mary’s response was emphatically and simply, “May it be done to me according to your word.”

Jesus’ response is not a denial of his family, but rather a confirmation of what is required of those who wish to draw near to Him, become His disciples, and enjoy life in abundance in the heavenly Kingdom.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I seek the Father’s will for me? Do I choose the LORD’s will over my own?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, always and everywhere Your power and presence persevere for those who seek You and your will for us. May we never take for granted your loving presence nor your offer to us of salvation. May we always and everywhere live as your beloved children, your devoted disciples, your dwelling place here on earth. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.