***
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.
***
***
If you asked most Catholics, I’m sure they’d say there are two things they feel the Church is constantly asking them for: time and money.
This is particularly true during the holidays.
You only need to read a church bulletin to see all of the opportunities to give – from Thanksgiving dinners, to care packages for the homeless, blankets, clothing, and Giving Trees.
Sometimes when I read these endless lists, I’m reminded of the good that so many people do – Catholic nuns like the Missionaries of Charity, in particular – to serve the less fortunate not only during the holidays, but every day.
But as Catholics, perhaps the Lord is calling us to change our mindset. We need to stop “volunteering.” To “volunteer” means, “to perform a particular action without obligation.”
Meaning, we could choose to volunteer at the local soup kitchen just as easily as we could choose to attend a Giants or Jets football game. There’s no sense of duty involved in either.
What we should do is “serve.” Service implies obligation; duty; a sense of commitment to another. The Lord makes it abundantly clear throughout the Gospels that whatever we do to one another, we do to him. In that sense, we’re obligated to serve.
***
In today’s Gospel, Jesus is told that his mother, brothers, and sisters are outside, wanting to speak with him. In Mark’s account of this episode, the Lord replies, “Who are my mother and my brothers and sisters? … Those who hear the Word of God and act on it.”
Being part of any family comes with its sense of obligation – show up for the holidays, make phone calls, send birthday cards. But those who are part of Christ’s divine family must do more: be of loving service to each other.
This call we first received in baptism, when we were integrated into the body of Christ. The Christian life is simply an extension of living out that call.
***
While it’s easy to feel like churches are always asking for “more,” use it as a reminder that giving is simply part of who we are.
Brothers and sisters in Christ.
***
***
Image credits: (1) Renewing Worship (2) Ahead of the Curve (3) Resurrection Parish
Such a great reflection! I have served as a volunteer in a number of different activities from service trips to fund raisers. Many times I finish the activity and feel good but with an almost empty feeling of a wanting to do more. I agree that the life of a Christian is a call to serve. It’s something I hope to do more of in my everyday life. Thank you for this great reminder, Fr. Kevin! May God continue to bless you and your work! – Dave
Amen. Thanks, Dave. You too!