Daily Reflections- July 24, 2012

MOTHERS, BROTHERS, SISTERS

 

When my mother died more than a decade ago, half of me died with her. But I had a pleasant and surprising discovery: the simple woman whom I fondly called Nanay (Mother) was a Nanay to many. People talked about her loving nature. I also learned that she had her own share of charities. She helped poor parents send their children to school. I don’t know how she did it as she herself was not rich by any standard. She kept our humble abode inside the alleys of Tondo. She, too, was poor.

When Jesus was told that her mother and brothers were there waiting for Him, He made a strange reply, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers? Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is a brother, a sister and mother to me.”

At first glance, it may appear that Jesus is disowning Mary. On the other hand, Jesus has mystically elevated Mary to a special place in His heart. She has become the model of somebody who willingly obeys the Father’s will. She was the first follower of Jesus, the first among Christians because she did not just journey with and followed her Son. She bore Him in her womb. She remained faithful until the end. Even when Jesus started His public ministry, Mary would check on Him once in a while just as she did in the Gospel today.

Jesus invites us to be a member of His extended family. We, too, can be mother to Him, like Mary. We, too, can be siblings to Him — for as long as we empty ourselves of our attachments and selfish motives, for as long as we are ready to obey God’s will, no matter how difficult it may be.

But like Mary, if we can carry the burden devotedly, if we can share in the cross of Christ and follow Him, if we can continue to listen to Him and enthrone Him in our hearts as the core of our life and everything we do, if we are willing to forget our own ambitions and seek God’s Kingdom, if we are most ready to obey, we belong to Jesus Christ — with Mary as our mother and model. We are family! Fr. Erick Y. Santos, SFO

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: What do you do when you find difficulties in obeying God’s will?

 

Lord, may I be obedient to Your will. Welcome me to Your family.