Jesus Christ calls us to be aware of our relationship with Him, with God. By doing the will of God, we are relatives of Jesus Christ. 

When the people who were listening to Jesus Christ were stressing and focusing only on the physical, blood relationship that existed between Jesus Christ and His mother, His relatives, Jesus Christ does not deny this relationship but points out another form of being related with Him.   

Many non-Catholic Christians read this Gospel text as a sign that Jesus rejected His mother, His relatives.  This is not true.  Jesus Christ did not reject His mother, His relatives.  

Jesus Christ brings clearly out the relationship that exists between us with Him, with God.  Jesus Christ says, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice” (Luke 8:21).   

The Blessed Virgin Mary listened to the Word of God and lived it in her own life.  She said, “I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).  In these words, She offered her life to God and she lived the Word of God in her life. 

Mother Mary did not only practice the Word of God but She received the very Word of God who is Jesus Christ in her womb.  Blessed are You O Blessed Virgin Mary who listened, who practiced the Word of God and gave birth to the Savior of the world. 

Related Bible verses: Deuteronomy 12:28; Psalm 119:67; James 1:22; Hebrews 4:12.  

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, You have taught us that to listen to Your Word and practice it makes us Your relatives.  We now humbly pray that we may have the grace to live according to Your Word so that being your relatives, we may come to the joys of heaven where You live and reign with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit, always One God forever and ever Amen. 

Rev. Fr. Dr. Hilary R. Munyaneza, 

St. Mbaaga’s Major Seminary – Ggaba