“Whoever does what God wants him to do is my brother, my sister, my mother.” (Mk 3:35)

“Whoever does what God wants him to do is my brother, my sister, my mother.” (Mk 3:35)

 Today’s Passages: Mk 3:31-35; Heb 10:1-10

Meditation: Today’s meditation verse puts before us a tempting but a challenging call to become his brothers and sisters. Apparently it gives the impression that it is very easy to become brothers and sisters of Jesus; i.e., if we abide by the will of God the father, we become Jesus’ brothers and sisters. However, the question also arises as to its difficulties in its application. The prayer of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane stands out a clear proof for this.

Nevertheless, the life of Jesus proves the same possible, though difficult. Therefore, this call of Jesus to be his brothers and sisters is a real test as far as each Christian is concerned. How can we pass this test? First of all, we have to believe that it is possible, though not easy. Call to be a Christian is a call to become Christ; it is life of becoming Christ. John makes it clear by saying, “Whoever says that he remains in union with God should live just as Jesus Christ did.” (1 Jn 2:6)

The apostles, early Christians, martyrs and saints have proved that this imitation of Jesus Christ is challenging but possible. St. Stephen, the first martyr, could pray the prayer of Jesus on the cross, “Lord! Do not remember this sin against them.” (Acts 7:60) How proudly Paul calls upon us ‘to imitate him just as he imitates Jesus Christ!’ (1 Cor 11:1) Therefore, imitation of Christ is made possible through them.

The letter to the Hebrews after analyzing the fathers and leaders of faith, tells us, “As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses round us. So then, let rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross.” (Heb 12:1, 2)

How did they make it possible? I do hope that they set their mind and heart according to the things on high. In order to fulfill the will of God the father, Jesus took the form of a servant and died on the cross. Paul says, “He (Jesus) always had the nature of God, but he did not think that by force he should try to become equal with God.” (Phil 2:6) So also, unless and until we set our minds according to the heavenly, becoming Christ will remain impossible.

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. Paul really helps us to find the way by saying, “Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God – what is good and pleasing to him and is perfect.” (Rom 12:2)  Lord, bless each one of us to live according your eternal word. I too offer myself and say, “Here I am to do your will, O God.” (Heb 10:9) We ask for this grace through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a blissful Tuesday!