Who is My Mother and My Brethren

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Matthew 12:46-50 (Who is My Mother and My Brethren)

Jesus says that whoever does the will of His heavenly Father is His brother, sister and mother. Because of our tendency toward materialism, we  are apt to think that physical realities are more real then spiritual ones, when in fact the very opposite is true. By virtue of our Baptism, we have access to an incredible intimacy with Christ that goes far beyond any natural human relationship. We are children of the same heavenly Father and so are truly brothers and sisters of Jesus. And like the Blessed Virgin, we too have been overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, becoming living tabernacles. St. Clare says that just as Mary carried Jesus in her body, so the faithful person carries Him in her soul. As wonderful as all this is, there is still more. On Calvary, Jesus consummated our relationship with Him on the Cross, so that now we are not only sibling and mother to him, but also beloved spouse.