Tuesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

Today’s Gospel reading invites us to examine our relationship with Christ.  Specifically, we are asked to examine that relationship through Christ’s perspective, which is identified in the response he provides upon learning that his mother and brothers had come to him, but were unable to join him because of the crowd.  Upon hearing this news, Jesus responds that “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” (Lk 8:21).  Jesus’ perspective and expectations are set forth in this description of his followers as his mother and his brothers. 

The reference to a brotherly relationship seems fairly straightforward.  We are called upon to view God as our heavenly Father and Jesus in his role as the Son sets forth the perfect example for us to follow in developing our own spiritual relationship.  Thus, it seems logical that Jesus would refer to his disciples as his brothers.  What seems to generate some concern with today’s reading is the reference to Jesus being told that his mother and brothers had come to him.  While the reference to Jesus’ mother is obviously a reference to Mary, recent books and movies have enjoyed speculating on the reference to Jesus’ brothers.  Of course, we know that literally translated the word brother, in Hebrew and Aramaic was a reference to any relative that was not a parent or it could even be a reference to a member of the same clan.  Thus, we maintain that this reference is not a reference to a biological brother, but instead, a reference to some other relative of Jesus or a member of the broader group to which his family belonged.

Hopefully, we are not so caught up in the reference and explanation of Jesus’ brothers that we miss Jesus’ description of his disciples as his “mother.”  While this reference is often overshadowed by a discussion about what is meant by brother, it merits some consideration because it seems odd.  What does Jesus mean when he refers to his followers as his mother?  Why would Jesus use this reference?

Once again, to fully understand our expected relationship with God, we find ourselves turning to Mary.  As we know, God came into the world through the Blessed Mother, and she was united with Jesus by accepting God’s plan for her.  When we follow Mary’s example, we allow God to work through us.  While the physical birth of Jesus through Mary places her in a unique position in history, which can never be equaled, we are each called upon to spiritually allow Him to be continuously brought into the world through each of us.