The cycle of parenting begins at birth when your child is wholly dependent on you. At some point independence steps in. By the teenage years, the child starts to rebel and the natural separation begins. The teenager is not at all impressed by the parent and is sometimes embarrassed by the obvious hovering or parental attempts at being cool. Then the child leaves home and starts a life of their own. All of a sudden, Mom and Dad are a lot wiser now. Friendship can blossom between parent and child. The circle of life.
Well, here, it’s almost as if Jesus is disowning his own mother and siblings. He asks “Who is my mother?” Of course, he knows Mary and he cares for her deeply, but those words? If she were to hear them, would she be hurt that her son, the Son of God, has questioned her identity? Was he being disrespectful?
By now, I’m sure Mary is not surprised by anything Jesus does. She knows he is special. She is probably his biggest fan. Parents are naturally proud of their children. Mary would have good reason to be pleased with Jesus. There was no doubt in her mind who he was and how she was related. Jesus was not being disrespectful. It shows how he wishes to extend his family.
This passage is fantastic for us as followers of Jesus because he confirms our identity. He says, “[A]nyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!” We have called each other “brothers and sisters in Christ” and this is why. All who believe and do God’s will are part of Jesus’ family. We are heirs with Christ. (Galatians 4:4-7)
So how do we respond to this? Jesus is calling us into true intimacy with him. I certainly give thanks to God for including me in his heavenly plan. We can look to Mary as a true disciple, open to God’s leading in her life. It all started with the news from the angel that she was the chosen mother of God’s Son. She is totally open to God’s will, and she is an avid follower of Jesus. Can we be more like Mary?
Being part of God’s family is not a biological thing but a spiritual thing. Our faith opens up a whole new community of believers to share life with. It comes when we answer the call and follow Jesus. We never have to be alone again. The sad truth is we may be estranged from our own “natural” family if they are not also followers of Christ.
We have been called to be lights in this world, and as such we can illuminate the darkness of this world. That’s a big task. Our love for Jesus needs to be so strong that we will follow him anywhere. Remember how privileged we are to be called sons and daughters of the king.
Let’s pray. Lord, help me to receive you with the same serenity of heart that Mary had. Show me your will for my life so I can be in it. Thank you for the privilege of being your child. I want to live my life in a way that pleases you. Squash my fears and insecurities. I want to shine for you in this dark world. Use me to bring others into your family. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
