“For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father
is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

Matthew 12:50

Matthew 12:46-50

Reflection

Jesus is speaking to the crowds when his mother and some relatives desire to speak with him but cannot get close. Jesus instead gestures to those around him that his mother and brothers are those who do the will of his heavenly Father.

If we are baptized, we become sons and daughters of God, adopted into his family. Baptism is a great gift, but we can abuse or even forget about it if we lead a life far from Christ. Today, Jesus shows us another way that brings us close to him and reclaims that familial relationship – doing the will of God.

Of course, we must be baptized regardless, but doing the will of God only increases our understanding of our Savior, helping us love him more and hopefully bring us to eternal union with him in heaven. Let us always ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in following the will of the Father. When we do so, we become Christlike and grow in virtue, further securing our bond as family.

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Saint of the Day

St. Lawrence Brindisi: 1559 – 1619

“Self-will is a honeyed poison and a poisoned honey, but God’s will is manna in the desert, the bread which gives to everyone who eats it eternal life…. Self-will created a hell; God’s will created a paradise.” St. Lawrence Brindisi