Opening Prayer

Lord, grant that I may see you more clearly,
love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly,
day by day.

Scripture

Luke 8:19-21

Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” But he said to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

Reflection

Jesus redefines familial relationships by stating, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” This profound declaration emphasises that true kinship in the Kingdom of God is not based on blood relations or external rituals but on a deep, personal commitment to living out God’s Word. We are encouraged to build our spiritual family by fostering relationships rooted in faith, obedience, and mutual support, transcending traditional boundaries and creating a community united in Christ.

While Jesus’ statement might seem to diminish Mary’s role, it actually highlights her true greatness. Mary’s significance lies not only in her biological connection to Jesus but in her unwavering faith and obedience to God’s will. Her “Yes” to God’s plan and her steadfastness, even in the face of immense suffering, make her a model for all disciples. Emulating Mary’s example, we are called to listen to God’s Word with an open heart and to respond with total commitment and faithfulness, allowing God’s will to guide our lives.

Contemplation

I take a few moments to imagine the scene from the Gospel story I just read. I let the words come alive in my heart. I visualise the event as if I was there and part of the story. I pay attention to all the details, the sights, the sounds, the tastes, the smells, and the feelings of the event. I imagine myself as one of the characters in the scene or as myself present in the story. What message does Jesus have for me? How is God speaking to me personally through this story? I open my heart to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Thanksgiving

I ask God, the Father, to give me an intimate knowledge of the many gifts I have received,
so that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty.

Fellow Pilgrims

Act as if everything depended on you; trust as if everything depended on God.

– Saint Ignatius of Loyola

Closing Prayer

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Amen.