Readings: Hebrews 10:1-10, Ps. 40:2,4,7-8,10,11, Mark 3:31-35
“Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:34-35)
- In her song “Family,” Dolly Patton paints a beautiful image of what family is. Family members are people in your life that you did not select, and yet, you can’t say ‘no’ to them. They are a mirror of the worst and best in you. They will always put you to the test, and you will, for their sake, do your best. No matter what they do, you will always find a way to forgive them because you have no choice, and then you never stop trusting them.
- When it’s family, you will tolerate what you’d kill others for; you find yourself even justifying their mistakes, defending their errors, and finding solutions rather than throwing stones. Family is blood. The family remains all we've got when it comes down to nothing for us. You may choose your lovers; you pick your friends but not the family you are in.
- Yes, friends walk away from your life, and even your closest allies fail you, but the family remains to the very end. Even when others betray and deny you, somehow you feel at peace because you know your family has your back. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus says: “Whoever does the will of God is my brother, sister, and mother.” (Mark 3:35). Considering what Dolly Patton says about family, Jesus’ statement cannot be taken for granted.
- Could this be the reason Jesus continuously tolerates our shortcomings? Surely, Jesus considers us family. This is why He always has our backs. When all else fails (when even our so-called blood brothers and sisters betray us, as they did to Joseph), we know that Jesus is family; He remains our last hope.
- Nevertheless, if we are honest, we would admit that we rarely think of Jesus as a family member. Why? Disobedience to God’s instructions creates a feeling of alienation in our hearts. Like Adam, who hid when he heard God’s voice in the Garden, sin makes us hide from God. (Cf. Genesis 3:8-12). Obedience and loyalty create warmth, but sin makes us strangers before God.
- Today’s First Reading from the Letter to the Hebrews speaks of how Jesus came to do the will of God. God no longer desires sacrifices and burnt offerings of rams and bulls. He only wants a heart that is always ready to obey (to do God’s will). This reading reminds me of Saul. God told him to destroy the Amalekites completely, but he disobeyed, thinking he could bribe God by offering a sacrifice. Samuel told Saul: “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” (1 Samuel 15:22-23). If our obedience makes us brothers and sisters of Jesus, disobedience does the opposite.
- Today, we remember St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the doctors of the Church. St. Thomas Aquinas was born in 1225 in Roccasecca, Italy, the youngest son of a noble family. He began his education at Monte Cassino at just five years old but was moved to Naples due to ongoing wars. In Naples, he discovered the works of Aristotle and other philosophers, which sparked his enduring love for theology and philosophy. Thomas was known for his quiet nature and remarkable intellect, earning the nickname “the dumb ox” from his classmates.
- After completing his education, Thomas taught in Cologne and Paris, where he authored important works like the ‘Summa contra Gentiles’ and the ‘Summa Theologiae.’ These works provided a thorough system of theology and philosophy, emphasising the balance between reason and faith. While travelling to the Second Council of Lyon, he became ill and passed away on March 7, 1274. He was canonised in 1323 by Pope John XXII, and his feast day was set to January 28, the day his relics were moved to Toulouse. Later, Pope Pius V declared him a Doctor of the Church in recognition of his significant contributions to theology and philosophy.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give us the grace always to do your will. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest, Doctor. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Hebrews 10:1-10, Ps. 40:2,4,7-8,10,11, Mark 3:31-35).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu