Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: September 26, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: 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."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today is challenging us. When we read it, if we feel Jesus is slighting or rejecting his mother and extended family, we should immediately realize that this text demands a deeper reading because Jesus would not do that. So let us read for the “deeper” meaning.

Jesus does not say that Mary and his family outside are not his family. He does not deny them. Jesus is instead challenging us to realize that it is not by blood that we belong to the Christian family but rather by faith lived – “hear the word of God and act on it.”

Jesus reminds us that we cannot claim to be Christ’s disciple solely on the basis of our baptism but rather on the basis of how well we live Christ, his love for the Father, his love for each and every one of us.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Would Christ claim me as His disciple? As a member of the LORD’s family?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your beloved Son to dwell among us, to reveal your unfathomable love for us, to model for us how to live into right relationship with You and with one another, daughters and sons of the LORD. Send your Spirit to tenderize our minds and hearts so that they are receptive to the words and example of your beloved Son. Grant that our faith in Christ will illuminate our lives and help us to follow in His footsteps. May our lives as his disciples bring You glory. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.