First reading Proverbs 21:1-6,10-13
On wickedness and virtue
Like flowing water is the heart of the king in the hand of the Lord,
who turns it where he pleases.
A man’s conduct may strike him as upright,
the Lord, however, weighs the heart.
To act virtuously and with justice
is more pleasing to the Lord than sacrifice.
Haughty eye, proud heart,
lamp of the wicked, nothing but sin.
The hardworking man is thoughtful, and all is gain;
too much haste, and all that comes of it is want.
To make a fortune with the help of a lying tongue,
such the idle fantasy of those who look for death.
The wicked man’s soul is intent on evil,
he looks on his neighbour with dislike.
When a mocker is punished, the ignorant man grows wiser,
when a wise man is instructed he acquires more knowledge.
The Just One watches the house of the wicked:
he hurls the wicked to destruction.
He who shuts his ear to the poor man’s cry
shall himself plead and not be heard.
Responsorial Psalm 118(119):1,27,30,34-35,44
Guide me, Lord, in the path of your commands.
They are happy whose life is blameless,
who follow God’s law!
Make me grasp the way of your precepts
and I will muse on your wonders.
Guide me, Lord, in the path of your commands.
I have chosen the way of truth
with your decrees before me.
Train me to observe your law,
to keep it with my heart.
Guide me, Lord, in the path of your commands.
Guide me in the path of your commands;
for there is my delight.
I shall always keep your law
for ever and ever.
Guide me, Lord, in the path of your commands.
Gospel Luke 8:19-21
‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God’
The mother and the brothers of Jesus came looking for him, but they could not get to him because of the crowd. He was told, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside and want to see you.’ But he said in answer, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice.’
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Belonging to God’s family
In the gospel, Jesus’ mother and brothers want to see Jesus. However, He does not ask the crowd to make room for them or go out to meet them. Instead, Jesus takes the opportunity to teach an important lesson. He says, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice”. For Jesus, those who desire to listen and do God’s will are His family.
We are part of Jesus’ family by hearing and acting on God’s word. What God desires from us is to love by serving others. No one is superior or dominant to others, and no one is better than others. In this family of God, our communion with one another must spring first from our intimate communion with God. Today, let us ask for the grace to remember that we belong to God and find the joy to do His will.
Reflective question:
Do you show that I belong to Jesus’ family through the way I live?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year B” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
