Today’s readings:
Hebrews 10:1-10
Psalm 40:2-11
Mark 3:31-35
We say we are children of God, and therefore brothers and sisters of Jesus. But what is Jesus’ point of view? “Who are my mother and my brothers?” (Mk 3:33). He then pointed to the disciples around him, not related to him by blood, and says they are his mother and brothers (Mk 3:34). Why? “For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mk 3:35). What makes us children of God and brethren of Jesus? It is when we do the will of God.
What is the will of God? Certainly it is to obey His commandments. But such obedience cannot be legalistic. Take going to Mass every Sunday for Catholics. If we go simply to fulfill an obligation, then we have not pleased God. “First he says, ‘Sacrifices and offerings, holocausts and sin offerings,’you neither desired nor delighted in.’ These are offered according to the law.” (Heb 10:8).
We go to Mass because we truly desire to be with Jesus and to receive the body and blood of Jesus. We go in reverence. We go seeking to be transformed and renewed. We desire the peace of Christ for all. Jesus offers himself, yet again, and desires to enter more deeply into our lives. Such is his will, and such is why we come to Mass. “Behold, I come to do your will.” (Heb 10:9a). What indeed is that “will”? “By this ‘will,’ we have been consecrated through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Heb 10:10). The offering of Jesus of himself on the cross is the central aspect of our faith. This is how Jesus won for us our salvation. At Mass we commemorate this great mystery. This is how we are consecrated to Christ.
At the end of the Mass we are told, “Go and proclaim the good news.” Here is the other aspect of God’s will. We are not only to live Christ but we are also to share Christ. We are to proclaim the salvation of Jesus to all. “I speak of your loyalty and your salvation.” (Ps 40:11b). We are not just to be saints but we are to be witnesses. It is not enough that we avoid sin and be right with God in our hearts. “I do not conceal your righteousness within my heart” (Ps 40:11a). Rather, we proclaim Christ to all. “When I sing of your righteousness in a great assembly, see, I do not restrain my lips, as you, Lord, know.” (Ps 40:10).
Are we really children of God and brothers and sisters of Jesus? We are, if we do God’s will. We are to live lives of holiness, we are to witness to Jesus, we are to go on mission in the world. We are to live Christ and to share Christ. We are to be saints, martyrs and warriors. Let us go forth with zeal and great joy, knowing the privilege of being Jesus’ brethren as we do God’s will. “I delight to do your will, my God” (Ps 40:9a).
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