Jesus said in reply, “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.” (Mt 12:46-50)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072324.cfm
What is the requirement for being a member of the family of Jesus? Is it race, ethnicity, skin color, church membership, party affiliation, immigration status, gender identity, a fat bank account, social class? Jesus tells us, “Whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Today’s hymn says that Christ needs you to love: “Do not care about race or skin color. Love everyone as brothers and sisters and do good.” https://youtu.be/GiVtA9PBrZg?si=hKqJMMWr-0s4FiEd
These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Tuesday, Week XVI, Ordinary Time
