First reading Ezra 6:7-8,12,14-20
Darius king of Persia pays for the rebuilding of the Temple of God
King Darius wrote to the satrap of Transeuphrates and his colleagues: ‘Leave the high commissioner of Judah and the elders of the Jews to work on this Temple of God; they are to rebuild this Temple of God on its ancient site. This, I decree, is how you must assist the elders of the Jews in the reconstruction of this Temple of God: the expenses of these people are to be paid, promptly and without fail, from the royal revenue – that is, from the tribute of Transeuphrates. May the God who causes his name to live there overthrow any king or people who dares to defy this and destroy the Temple of God in Jerusalem! I, Darius, have issued this decree. Let it be obeyed to the letter!’
The elders of the Jews prospered with their building, inspired by Haggai the prophet and Zechariah son of Iddo. They finished the building in accordance with the order of the God of Israel and the order of Cyrus and of Darius. This Temple was finished on the twenty-third day of the month of Adar; it was the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. The Israelites – the priests, the Levites and the remainder of the exiles – joyfully dedicated this Temple of God; for the dedication of this Temple of God they offered one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs and, as a sacrifice for sin for the whole of Israel, twelve he-goats, corresponding to the number of the tribes of Israel. Then they installed the priests according to their orders in the service of the Temple of God in Jerusalem, as is written in the Book of Moses.
The exiles celebrated the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month. The Levites, as one man, had purified themselves; all were pure, so they sacrificed the passover for all the exiles, for their brothers the priests and for themselves.
Responsorial Psalm 121(122):1-5
I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house.’
I rejoiced when I heard them say:
‘Let us go to God’s house.’
And now our feet are standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is built as a city
strongly compact.
It is there that the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord.
For Israel’s law it is,
there to praise the Lord’s name.
There were set the thrones of judgement
of the house of David.
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 the household of God
In today’s Gospel, when Jesus’ family came looking for Him, He said, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” It might seem that Jesus was rejecting His own family, but He was actually broadening the concept of family to include all who hear and follow God’s Word.
Our belonging to Jesus’ household is not determined simply by our baptism certificates or by fulfilling the external obligations of our Catholic faith. It is defined by our complete commitment to listening attentively to God and putting His Word into action. When we do this, we become part of Jesus’ spiritual family. Acting on what God says means loving every person we encounter, even those we may find difficult to like. Today, let us celebrate our place in the household of God and be inspired to go out and live a life of love and service.
Reflective question:
What does it mean for me to be part of Jesus’ spiritual family?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
