Martin Madalai Muthu csc –
Readings: Mic 7: 14-15, 18-20; Mt 12: 46-50
The readings of the day project God as one who belongs to all. Anyone who hears his word and acts upon it is dear to God.
The first reading of the day is an example where people pray to Yahweh for forgiveness. Yahweh is compassionate towards Israelites for all their iniquities and did not look at their wrongdoings but delighted in their willingness to remain faithful to him.
The Gospel reading further presents before us the true kinsfolk of Jesus. Jesus says only those who do the will of the Father are his mother, brothers and sisters. It is neither ignorance nor insult to Mother Mary but rather it is an honor to Mother Mary who remained obedient and faithful to God’s will until the end. She acted in perfect obedience throughout her life and fulfilled God’s plan.
The invitation for us is to understand that merely having identified as Christians by our name and dress is not enough to be a mother, brothers and sisters of Jesus rather just like Mother Mary we need to be sheep who listen and act according to the words of the true Shepherd Jesus.
It is also an invitation to each one of us to accept and respect every single person who listens to the teachings of Christ and lives his/her life accordingly. Let us not forget the words “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Sam 16:7)