The Will of God – Mark 3:31-35 Reflection
Over time and with faith, the idea of family can change. In the youth of our faith, we can think of a family consisting of spouses, children, brothers and sisters, relatives, and in-laws. Then, we began to understand that family further ripples out to church friends, colleagues, and those we know in heaven. In faith’s maturity, we know family extends beyond this circle as we explore and join Christ in community with others. When you unconditionally offer yourself as needed to all brothers and sisters, you can sense the infinite body of Christ. The beauty of us as God’s creation makes us independent of our natures and desires. At the same time, without losing our uniqueness, we can be doing and being the will of God. Combined as one as the body of Chris, we outwardly share Jesus’s inner gift of peace, spiritual food, and love.
He Who is of God Hears the Word of God by James Tissot (full-resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Mark 3:31-35 – Scripture*
The True Kindred of Jesus
31 Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.” 33 And he replied, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” 34 And looking at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Mark 3:31-35 Reflection – Join Christ in Community.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Mark 3 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: The Will of God