Reflection for July 21 Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 12:46-50

Gospel: Matthew 12:46-50

While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak with him. Someone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you.” 

But he said in reply to the one who told him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

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Reflection:

Are we members of a church ministry, or have we been part of one? Many of us have experienced the joy of serving in ministries where we address one another as brothers and sisters, recognizing that we belong to God's family through Jesus Christ.

We serve not merely to fulfill responsibilities but to help advance Christ's mission and proclaim His teachings. This is a beautiful calling and a wonderful privilege.

Yet, helping Jesus carry out His mission is not reserved only for those who belong to church ministries. Every one of us is invited to participate in His work, regardless of our role or affiliation.

We can become His witnesses in simple but meaningful ways—by sharing His love, living His Gospel within our families, extending kindness in our workplaces and communities, and reflecting His presence wherever God has placed us. No act of love done for Christ is ever too small in His eyes.

Jesus reminds us that we become members of His family when we hear the Word of God and put it into practice. We become His brothers and sisters not merely by what we call ourselves but by how we live.

Whenever we choose to follow His example and share in His mission, we reveal that we truly belong to Him. We also show our love for Him when we are not ashamed to live out His teachings, especially His call to love, forgiveness, humility, compassion, and selfless service.

Our faith is not measured by the ministry we belong to or the titles we hold, but by the way Christ is seen in our daily lives. Do we love those who do not love us? Do we forgive those who never ask for our forgiveness? Do we choose humility over pride, kindness over resentment, and service over recognition? Do our words and actions help others encounter Jesus?

May we never forget that the greatest privilege is not simply being known as members of a church ministry but being recognized by Jesus as members of His own family because we faithfully do the will of the Father.

As we go about our daily lives, may we continually ask ourselves: If Jesus were to look at our hearts today, would He recognize His own life reflected in us, and would others see enough of Him in us to be drawn closer to Him?—Marino J. Dasmarinas