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.
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 in the path of your commands;
for there is my delight.
I shall always keep your law
for ever and ever.
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.’
Belonging
In the Gospel, Jesus was told that His mother and relatives were standing outside and wanted to see Him. He said, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” It might sound harsh, as it seems like Jesus is distancing Himself from His family. However, Jesus was not rejecting them. Instead, He wanted to take this opportunity to reveal a deeper kind of family, one formed not by blood ties or social connection, but by hearing God’s Word and allowing it to shape one’s life.
Today, we are part of God’s family by virtue of our faith and baptism. This belonging is a gift. We belong to God, not because we are perfect or successful, but because we are His beloved daughters and sons. Belonging to God changes the way we see and treat others. No one is a rival or a liability. Each person is loved by God. We are called to love others by overcoming divisions caused by hurts, personal preferences, and misunderstandings, fostering unity and compassion in our communities.
Reflective question:
Is there someone I struggle to see as a brother or sister in God’s family?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
