Family Ties

And looking around at those seated in the circle [Jesus] said, "Here are my mother and my brothers.” // Mark 3:34

When I was preparing to marry my husband, one of the recurrent themes was family. I became deeply aware that more than anything else, Peter and I were becoming family to each other through the sacrament. Coming from the Dominican Republic, the word family in itself holds so much meaning for me. 

I am immediately reminded of warm welcomes, big embraces, lots of laughs, tears, and love. So when I thought about the vows I would make before the Church, our family, and friends, I knew that through this act Peter would be welcomed into my family as son and brother, as I would be welcomed into his family as a daughter and sister. Moreover, together we would become our own new little family, bound by love and the vows of the marriage covenant.

When I reflect on today’s Gospel passage (see Mark 3:31-35), I admit I have often only focused on the roundabout way in which Christ compliments His Mother. He says that those who do the will of God are His siblings and mother. We know that of all the disciples then and now, Mother Mary did the will of the Lord most perfectly. She’s the most deserving of the title of “mother.” 

Yet, today, I am struck by what Jesus is doing by saying these words to those who were “seated in the circle” around him (Mark 3:34). He was extending to them the title of family. They were invited to come close to Him, not just as disciples following a teacher but as brothers, sisters, and mothers. The ones who drop in for that unexpected visit, who pass by just to say hello and ask how it’s going, who extend not only their hands but come in for a kiss and embrace. 

The Lord invites you and me, sister, through our Baptism into His Church, to be a part of His family. He invites us each day to come and sit next to Him in the circle, have a meal, exchange words of love, and pass the time together—not as strangers, not even as friends, but as family.