First reading 2 Samuel 6:12-15,17-19
David dances before the ark of the Lord
David went and brought the ark of God up from Obed-edom’s house to the Citadel of David with great rejoicing. When the bearers of the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fat sheep. And David danced whirling round before the Lord with all his might, wearing a linen loincloth round him. Thus David and all the House of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with acclaim and the sound of the horn. They brought the ark of the Lord in and put it in position inside the tent that David had pitched for it; and David offered holocausts before the Lord, and communion sacrifices. And when David had finished offering holocausts and communion sacrifices, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of Hosts. He then distributed among all the people, among the whole multitude of Israelites, men and women, a roll of bread to each, a portion of dates, and a raisin cake. Then they all went away, each to his own house.
Responsorial Psalm 23(24):7-10
Who is the king of glory? He, the Lord, he is the king of glory.
O gates, lift high your heads;
grow higher, ancient doors.
Let him enter, the king of glory!
Who is the king of glory?
The Lord, the mighty, the valiant,
the Lord, the valiant in war.
O gates, lift high your heads;
grow higher, ancient doors.
Let him enter, the king of glory!
Who is he, the king of glory?
He, the Lord of armies,
he is the king of glory.
Gospel Mark 3:31-35
Who are my mother and my brothers? Those that do the will of God
The mother and brothers of Jesus arrived and, standing outside, sent in a message asking for him. A crowd was sitting round him at the time the message was passed to him, ‘Your mother and brothers and sisters are outside asking for you.’ He replied, ‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ And looking round at those sitting in a circle about him, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers. Anyone who does the will of God, that person is my brother and sister and mother.’
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Being an active member of Jesus’ household
In today’s Gospel, Jesus was told that His mother and relatives were outside looking for Him. He replied, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking at those seated around Him, He says, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” This is not a rejection of Mary or His earthly family, but a revelation of something deeper—a new family formed not by blood, but by obedience to the will of God. Jesus invites us into a relationship that is intimate, personal, and life-giving. We are not just His admirers or distant followers; we are called to be part of His family.
However, belonging to Jesus’ family is not passive. It is not merely a title we carry or a name we bear. Rather, it is lived through action, through doing the will of the Father. To be part of Jesus’ household means listening to His Word, allowing it to shape our decisions, and responding with a generous heart. Today, when we pray, when we care for one another, when we open our homes and our hearts, we become the living extension of His family on earth.
Reflective question:
How am I being called to strengthen my belonging in God’s family through action?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
