Fr Paul Gooley reads from the Gospel of Luke (8: 19-21) in which Jesus, when told his mother and brothers were waiting outside to see him, said ‘My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice’.

Fr Paul says we might think that Jesus is implying that family is not as important to him compared to the disciples. What Jesus is saying is that those who hear the word of God and act on it are as dear to him as his own family. Family members, as we know, are in a personal relationship with each other. They understand each other intimately because they spend so much time together. They grow through being together.

What counts is being in such a deep and loving relationship with Jesus that we can call God our father and Mary our mother. Jesus is inviting us to be part of his family and our relationship grows by listening to his word, praying over his word and translating his word into Christian life and service.

For our reflection today, Fr Paul says, we might reflect…’How deep and loving is my relationship with Jesus?