WHO IS CHRIST TO YOU?

⏰Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time 1 (24 Jan 2017 – Memorial of St. Frances de Sales)

????Heb 10:1-10; Ps 40:2 and 4ab, 7-8a, 10, 11 (R.v.8a, 9a); Mark 3:31-35

WHO IS CHRIST TO YOU?

Is he your son, or your brother or your friend? In Mark 3:31-35, the family of Jesus came to take him home since people were now feeling he was going out of hand. So Jesus used the opportunity to catechize the people on the nature of his relationship with them because they lacked proper understanding of him. So he taught them that his real relatives are those who do the will of God.

Does that mean he rejected his mother or insulted her? It cannot be. It simply elevates her even higher. In the first place, Jesus was born because Mary heard the Word of God and kept it. The Angel’s announcement to her (Luke 1:38) was not an imposition. She was at will to refuse God’s plan but She accepted and her cooperation brought forth Christ. She therefore became Christ’s Mother, having kept and obeyed the word of God.

In the same way, Christ now proposes to us a relationship that topples biological identity. It is not a prerogative of anyone or race to belong to this relationship. One comes in only through faith and obedience to the will of God.

Being Jesus’ relative offers one ample opportunity to share in the abundance of life that he brings. Remember that he comes that we may have life in abundance. And he tells those who believe, “Courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” (Matt 14:27).

It is with that courage that St. Francis de Sales embraced his priestly duties and was one with Christ to the extent that he died with the name of Jesus on his lips.

May God give us the grace and courage to always remain one of Jesus’ relatives and so gain the good things that come from him. Amen.

I wish you a grace-filled day ahead. It is well with you.