“My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”
This is Jesus’ response to those who tell him his family is outside wanting to have a chat with him. Normally I think of this little vignette in terms of Jesus’ redefinition of family, and the challenge it represents to our culture, which has romanticized the family, etc.
But today when I read it, I was struck instead by the fact that I’m part of this family that Jesus is creating. Jesus calls me his brother, his kin, because I’m trying to hear God’s word and put it into practice.
Jesus looks at me and sees the family resemblance. He recognizes his Father’s presence and work in my life. He joyfully embraces me as his brother.

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