BROTHER GOD
“Who are My brothers?” –Matthew 12:48
Jesus transformed motherhood when He commanded His mother Mary to be the mother of all His disciples (Jn 19:26-27). Jesus transformed the meaning of fatherhood, sonship, and daughterhood when He told us to call God our Abba, that is, Father (Mt 6:9). This made us brothers and sisters of Jesus and of each other. Jesus said: “Whoever does the will of My heavenly Father is brother and sister and mother to Me” (Mt 12:50).
When we were baptized, we were baptized into a radically transformed brotherhood and sisterhood. Paul spoke of those who bear “the title ‘brother’ ” (1 Cor 5:11). Brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ are recognized as special and exalted callings. Paul also spoke of “false claimants to the title of brother” (Gal 2:4). This implies that brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ are so valuable that we would want to claim these titles. If we are to claim in truth the title of brother or sister, we must lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters (1 Jn 3:16).
Consider brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ great honors. To claim these honors, lay down your life in love for your brothers and sisters.
PRAYER: Brother Jesus, make me one in mind and heart with my brothers and sisters (Acts 4:32).
PROMISE: “As in the days when you came from the land of Egypt, show us wonderful signs.” —Mi 7:15
PRAISE: St. Sharbel was a Lebanese hermit who became an exemplary Christian to the world. Devoted to Jesus’ life of gospel poverty, he ate only one meal of vegetables daily.
