Reflection for Tuesday January 28 Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church: Mark 3:31-35

Gospel Mark 3:31-35

The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house. Standing outside, they sent word to Jesus and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, "Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you." 

But he said to them in reply, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother."

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Reflection:

A homeless boy was given shelter by a compassionate family. They treated him as a member of their family and supported his education until college. After finding a job, he generously gave back to the family. All the love and care they had given him, he returned a hundredfold. 

The family who assumed responsibility for this boy is a relative of Jesus, and this poor, God-fearing boy is a brother of Jesus. Why? Because Jesus tells us that whoever does the will of God is His brother, sister, and mother. 

What about those who do not live according to the commandments of Jesus? Those who do no good for the poor and needy and those who are sinful? Are they already cut off from Jesus? No, they are not—for the simple reason that Jesus is a merciful and forgiving God. He patiently waits for those who are misguided, those who lack compassion and love, until they find enlightenment. 

The infinite mercy of Jesus is always available to us, no matter who we are. Yet, Jesus also challenges us to do good for our fellowmen. —Marino J. Dasmarinas