Jesus is continually challenging us to expand our understanding and perception of Him. In today’s Gospel, a simple message that His mother, brothers, and sisters are awaiting Him elicits an unexpected response from Him. Jesus uses the occasion to illustrate the way to discern who is truly “family.” All who do the will of God, Jesus says, are indeed members of His family. While there are those who may cite this passage to minimize Mary’s role in the plan of salvation and question Catholics’ devotion to her, it is she who exemplifies the ideal alignment of the human will with God’s will. Her “fiat” was not the only moment she accepted her motherhood of Jesus. She did so also through her continual and daily “yes” to God in all things. Hardly a diminishment and dismissal, Jesus is pointing out Mary’s fidelity to her role as the Mother of God and our mandate to follow her example of doing “whatever He tells you” (John 2:5). Mary is the most authentic and perfect of disciples, and she invites us to follow Her to closer union with her son.

As we progress through the Twelve Steps and journey more closely with God, it becomes evident that we belong to Him. Our connection to Jesus is made manifest through our ministry to others in and out of our 12-step rooms. We are members of God’s family because we sincerely seek Him in our daily lives and live a program of recovery that requires honesty and service. Our spiritual program of recovery helps us align our will with the Father’s perfect will, and in doing so, we become members of His family who desire that all find their way to Him.

Reflection Questions

• How do you view your membership in the family of God? In what ways does recovery impact this view?
• How are you called to serve the brothers and sisters that you encounter in your daily life?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: 2 Samuel 6:12b-15, 17-19
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10
Gospel: Mark 3:31-35

Reflection by Mark L.