Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands. — Psalm 119:35

Mass Readings: Proverbs 21:1-6,10-13 / Luke 8:19-2 

La Familia 

One of our first married fights erupted over our definition of family. To Michael, “family” meant what sociologists call the nuclear family: parents and their children. But my Hispanic understanding of family incorporated grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles, godparents — all your loved ones. Imagine how surprised he was when I said la familia was coming over for dinner! 

When Jesus says, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it,” I understand that to mean all Christians are related in Jesus the Christ. Much like “mi familia” incorporates all those who are closest to me, to claim Jesus means to profess the word of God by claiming and taking care of my brothers and sisters, especially those in need. 

Prayer: Jesus, You are the Word who brings us to new life.