The first reading today is the story of the parting of the Red Sea. The Israelites walk across the Red Sea on dry land. The Egyptian army is in hot pursuit. When they get into the middle of the Sea, God puts the water back where it belongs. They all drown. This is a miracle the children of Israel will remember forever. In the Gospel reading from Matthew 12, Jesus talks about His family.
When told that His mother and brothers were outside to see Him, Jesus points to His disciples and says, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister and mother.” Once again, Jesus uses language that everyone can understand and relate to. He speaks in family terms. Why? In the words of Blessed Pope John Paul II, God is not like a family. God IS a family. And we are created in His image and likeness.
Have you ever noticed that Christianity is always couched in family terms? God is our Father, we are His children; Jesus is our brother, Mary is our mother. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. This is more than just euphemistic language. This is truth. It is fact. And Jesus makes it clear today. In the immortal words of Sister Sledge, we are family. (Cue the ear worm!)
Father, you call us your children. Jesus is our brother, Mary our mother. We thank you for allowing us to be part of your family. May we share our family blessings with all. Amen.
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