Whoever does the will of my Father

Micah 7:14-15, 18-20, Mt. 12:46-50. Today we reflect on what makes us special in the sight of God. In today’s first reading, the prophet Micah remarks that God is always faithful to the promises made to the people who are called to follow His ways. Even after infidelity on the part of the people, God is willing to restore them to the covenant relationship – if they seek forgiveness. In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of the right behaviour that demonstrates a true relationship with God: “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

As Jesus is informed that His mother and relatives are outside the place where He is teaching. Jesus says something which sounds like a put down of His mother and His kinfolk: “Who is my mother, and who are my brethren?” This means that what makes us related to Jesus goes beyond blood tie but doing the will of God. By implication, Mary is not just the mother Jesus by blood tie but also as she did the will of God: “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Lk. 1:38). Her obedience led to her giving birth to Jesus. However, in truth, the Lord teaches us through this perspective that His mother is truly the greatest of examples of this piety and faith, as Mary’s obedience to God’s will and her commitment to love her Son, her virtues and righteousness are all that we exactly need to follow and emulate in our lives as God’s holy and beloved people.

May the Lord grant us serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can and the grace to accept the will of God however it comes to us! Amen!! Have a great day!!!