While Jesus was speaking to the crowds,
his mother and his brothers appeared outside,
wishing to speak with him.
Someone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside,
asking to speak with you.”
But he said in reply to the one who told him,
“Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?”
And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said,
“Here are my mother and my brothers.
For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father
is my brother, and sister, and mother.” (Mt 12:46-50)
God is an “equal opportunity” deity.
Thank God for that!
Think about it.
In so many cultures, people would have to go to incredible lengths just to make sure that their gods heard them. They would inflict all sorts of punishments upon themselves or others, many times including human sacrifices.
That was just to be heard.
Who knew what the gods’ response would be?
It could be earthquakes, volcanoes, or the like.
Jesus, on the other hand, talks about a very intimate relationship with God.
Not only do we not have to do crazy things to ourselves or to others just to be heard as some kind of “loyal subject”, we are accorded the status of brother, sister, and mother just for doing His will.
His will is not difficult. It is not impossible. It is not overpowering.
Can you imagine a God who loves us so much that He allows us to draw that close to Him? Yet, that is precisely what He does — every moment of our lives.
Draw near to God today.
FAITH ACTION: Take time to listen to the Lord in prayer this day. Ask Him for the grace and courage to do His will.