Here are my mother and my brothers

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Ubi caritas

The monks of Glenstal Abbey

Today is Tuesday the 27th of January, in the 3rd week of Ordinary Time.

The monks of Glenstal Abbey sing Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. 'Wherever love is true, God is there.' As you look around you now, can you sense God’s presence of love? Can you sense God’s Holy Spirit here? In the people around you? In you?

2:27

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark.

Mark 3:31-35

Then [Jesus’] mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, ‘Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.’ And he replied, ‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ And looking at those who sat around him, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.’

3:44

Equilibrium

Niclas Lundqvist & Raphah

When Jesus’s family seek him out here, his reaction seems, at first sight, to be painfully dismissive of the people who care for him. Why do you think he chose to make this point so bluntly?

It becomes clear in the passage that profounder values shape all that Jesus does. What are the values that you want to habitually guide your ordinary, daily life?

Listen to the passage again, trying to imagine yourself in Jesus’s situation.

6:26

Mark 3:31-35

Then [Jesus’] mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, ‘Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.’ And he replied, ‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ And looking at those who sat around him, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.’

7:29

If you were asked, “who are your brothers and sisters and mothers?”, how would you reply? Can you talk to God about this now?

9:32

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen