Daily Reflections ...

Jesus extends the bounds of his own family to embrace anyone who “hears the word of God and puts it into practice.” In this story, Jesus is given the opportunity to step away from the crowd to greet his relatives, but instead of prioritising them, he invites the crowd into the closeness of family.

This is one of those actions that demonstrates Jesus’ authentic inclusivity. His desire is for us to become as close to him as Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, and his apostles. Jesus doesn’t desire to exclude, but rather he desires that all be included and welcomed into the fold of his sacred heart.

He does, however, have a condition for this: hearing the word of God and putting it into practice. It’s not enough for us to simply hear the word of God, but we must be familiar with its message and live it out. He’s calling us to do good, and to refrain from sin.

Living morally upright lives is essential for remaining in God’s love. We are called to change our behaviour, and to call others to that change as well. God certainly loves us as we are, but like a good parent, that doesn’t mean he supports everything we do. God is calling us to stop doing things that do damage to us and to our neighbour, and to start doing things that heal and restore, as well convict and enable individuals to live morally upright lives.

“Repent and believe the good news”, Jesus says. In other words, seek to sin no more, and embrace God’s love!

Truly, this is the only path to peace on earth.

by David Kruse