***
Gospel: 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.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
***
***
There’s an old Chinese proverb: “Not one family can put a sign outside their home with the words – No Problems Here.”
Every family – even the Holy Family – experiences some level of conflict.
***
For example, Mary and Joseph scold Jesus after losing him for three days in the Temple when he was twelve.
Instead of apologizing for getting separated from them, Jesus simply questions them, “Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?”
To Mary and Joseph, his words probably sounded strange, cryptic, or confusing at best. But it was a sign to them that Jesus would do his Father’s will, no matter what the cost may be. And he wouldn’t apologize for it.
***
We encounter the Lord some 20 years later in today’s Gospel, as he’s preaching inside someone’s home. Mary and a few other close relatives have gathered outside.
They’re not there to ask Jesus if he’s coming home for dinner; nor are they there to listen to him preach. As Mark tells us, some of them think Jesus is, “Out of his mind!” (Mark 3:21)
His teachings were risky – even revolutionary. Love your enemies; pray for those who persecute you; turn the other cheek; lay your life down for your friends.
Christ’s relatives were there to quiet him – either out of fear, concern, or a lack of understanding of who he really is.
Not one family – not even the Holy Family – can say, “No problems here.”
***
So, what might this passage mean for us?
Family conflict is inevitable.
This can certainly be true when we decide to follow the Lord, who can lead us to places our family and friends don’t first understand, like priesthood!
But, as Jesus says today, “those who hear the word of God and act on it, are mother, and sisters, and brothers.”
May that include each of us today.
***
***
Image credits: (1) Compelling Truth (2) Daily Bible Readings, WordPress.com (3) WordServe Water Cooler