An Extended Family in Christ!

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

2 Sm 6:12-15,17-19; Mk 3:31-35

In today’s Gospel, Jesus helps us realize that the Church is an extended family for all who share their faith in Christ. 

Jesus’ question, ‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ does not mean his hatred toward his mother and brothers but his love toward the faith community that he is creating in his name. 

Viewed thus, Jesus does not disown his family but prioritizes the faith community. 

For Jesus, the faith community takes precedence over the immediate family.

Every Christian is privileged with membership in the extended family that unites people in the name of Jesus. 

Because the name of Jesus is the unifying force, the faith community transcends any national, linguistic, or cultural barrier. 

We are one family because we believe in Jesus. 

Therefore, any bias or prejudice among us only points to an anomaly of faith.

Let us pray that we may become the proud witnesses of the extended family, walking in Jesus’ footsteps. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar