Who are The Brothers and Sisters of Jesus?

Tuesday, 23 July 2024. Readings: Micah 7:14-15,18-20, Ps. 85:2-8, Matthew 12:46-50

“Pointing to his disciples, Jesus said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:49-50)

In today’s Gospel passage, Matthew tells us that while Jesus addressed the crowds, someone interrupted Him with the news of His mother and brothers standing outside and waiting to see Him. Instead of rushing out immediately to meet them, Jesus said: “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

This passage raises many questions. Does it mean that Jesus has no regard for his family members? Could it be that the persons who were standing outside were not his mother and brothers? Does this passage indicate that Mary is unimportant and perhaps does not deserve the attention she receives from Christians? Let us dive into our lessons today as we attempt to answer these questions.

- Jesus’ behaviour shows us that listening to God’s word supersedes family responsibility. In other words, if your parents (family members) are calling you and God is also calling you, answer God first before answering your parents. Hence, the young man wanted to go and “bury” his Father before responding to God’s call; Jesus said: “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” (Matthew 8:22).

- Jesus is not against family members, but He recognises that sometimes, those we love may act as obstacles to God’s will. On occasions when we have to choose between God and family, Jesus says: “God first.” He even added this warning: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:37).

- When Jesus was twelve, something similar happened in today’s Gospel passage. “The boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it.… After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions… His mother said, ‘Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your Father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.’ He said to them, ‘Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?’” (Luke 2:43-49).

- Even as a teenager, Jesus knew that beyond His immediate family, He had a greater family capable of accommodating believers worldwide. Jesus had no intention of disrespecting Mary. Rather, He wants us to know that we are also family. On this occasion, by not rushing out to attend to those waiting for Him, Jesus taught us that when we hear His Word and keep it, we are also very important to Him. Jesus proved how important we were to Him when He arrested Saul on the way to Damascus. Jesus asked him: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 22:7).

- As family members of Jesus, we are very important to God; we are the apple of His eye (cf. Psalm 17:8). Two implications of our importance to God are: 1. We cannot afford to live recklessly or disregard God’s commandment. Just as you would feel more hurt over a family member who disgraces the family name than a stranger who does worse things, God is hurt by our sinfulness.

- 2. God’s mercy is readily available when we ask for forgiveness. This is Prophet Micah’s message in today’s First Reading. “He does not retain his anger forever because he delights in showing mercy. He will again have compassion upon us and tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” (Micah 7:18-19). God would not be so merciful if we were not important to Him. You will agree that no matter what your family members do, you must find a way to forgive them; you cannot toss them aside.

- Anyone who quotes today’s Gospel passage to argue that Jesus ignored Mary and his brothers because they are not important (and thereby, not deserving of our devotion) has missed the point. Just as Jesus followed Mary and Joseph home after they found him in the temple and he was obedient to their authority (Luke 2:51), Jesus, after commenting about us being his family, later left the crowd to attend to Mary and his brothers.

- By the way, were those standing outside with Mary, her biological children? If they were, why did Jesus hand Mary over to John at his crucifixion? (John 19:26-27). Even if Mary had other children, does it reduce her significance as the Mother of God? Does it stop all generations from calling her blessed? (Luke 1:48). Apart from Jesus, who are the other children of Mary? Christians – you and I who hear God’s word and keep it. We are the brothers and sisters of Jesus; we are the children of Mary.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may our lifestyles truly reflect our identity as members of your family. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Tuesday of week 16 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Micah 7:14-15,18-20, Ps. 85:2-8, Matthew 12:46-50).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu