Reflections of a beloved son

“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.’” Matthew 12:49-50 Today Jesus tells us who His family is. When some people hear of this passage, they feel that Jesus was dissing and disrespecting His Mother, Mary, by seemingly being indifferent to her presence outside. But Jesus was really praising and honoring Mary with what He did. When the people told Jesus that His Mother and brothers are outside looking for Him, He used it as a teaching moment.  Jesus taught about the importance of the will of the Father and of those who not only know of it but does it. Those who do the will of the Father, Jesus told the people, are His brother, and sister, and mother. In saying this, Jesus was saying that Mary does the will of the Father, and that perhaps we all ought to look to her and learn from her, imitating her humility and obedience. The Family Je...

When Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the temple, they asked Him why He had run off and did what He had done. Jesus was seemingly puzzled and asked why they were worried and explained that of course He’d be in His Father’s house. We are told that Jesus followed His parents back home and was obedient to them, while Mary pondered and kept all that had happened in her heart.   Mary must have been afraid, hoping nothing bad had happened to Jesus, and when she found Him, He seemed indifferent. How hurt Mary’s heart must have been, but she kept it in her heart. Perhaps she did not understand then, but she soon came to see that whatever Her Son ended up doing would be the Father’s will. In Jesus’ mind, the Father’s will always came first, and Mary understood that because she too said “yes” years ago. There will be times in our lives when we get upset or angry or frustrated because of what someone may say or do. Sometimes those whom we love will do things that will cause us pain. Yet, ou...

Before Jesus died, He entrusted Mary into John’s care.  At the same time, Jesus was entrusting John and the entire Church to Mary. One of the very last things Jesus did before He breathed His last was to make sure Mary had someone to look after her and that the Apostles had someone to look after them. Even at the Cross, in His pain and agony He thought about others. As Son he made sure His mother will be taken care of, and as Teacher he made sure His disciples and followers will have a familiar face to remind them of His love. Today, we honor Mary as Mother of the Church. How blessed are we that we have a Mother who intercedes for us and brings all our needs to Her Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ! When you feel all alone and that no one cares, remember and know that Mary does. She is your Mother. Jesus entrusted you under her care. Knowing how the world is having lived in it, Jesus knew we could not be left to our own devices. We needed someone to lead us, guide us, encourage us, care...

" When the days were completed for the purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord just as it is written in the law of the Lord " (Lk. 2:22-23a).  On February 2nd, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord .  Mary and Joseph carried and brought Jesus to the Temple. Later on, the twelve year old Jesus would stay back in the Temple after Passover where He famously said to Mary, " Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?"   The Temple would also be where Jesus drove the money changers away and foretold His Resurrection saying " Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up ."  At the Presentation the righteous man Simeon was patiently waiting for Jesus, the "consolation of Israel," the "Christ of the Lord."  When he saw Mary and Joseph bringing Jesus in, Simeon took Jesus in his arms and ble...

Today in the Catholic Church we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family - Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.  Jesus was born into a human family so that He can experience life as we do, and be like us in all things but sin.  God in His infinite wisdom planned for Jesus to be born into a poor family and in a lowliest of manners - among the animals, laid in a manger - the feeding place for animals.  Not too long after Jesus was born, Joseph, His foster father, was told in a dream, " Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you."  And so, he did. The life of the Child was already sought the moment He was born (before, really).  Perhaps, this does make sense - Jesus, after all, was born to die, and by that death, to save, to redeem, and to live.  I can only imagine how Joseph and Mary was feeling.  Their son's life was sought after and the King wanted Him dead.  " Herod is going to search for the child and destroy him." ...

When Jesus went to His friend, Lazarus' home his two sisters, Mary and Martha played host.  Martha was busy cleaning the house and preparing foods while Mary was entertaining and keeping Jesus company.  Martha seemingly got a bit annoyed and asked if Jesus was going to tell Mary to help her.  Jesus said "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.  There is need of only one thing.  Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her."  Our Lord validates Martha in what she was doing, but also challenges her to see things a little differently.  It is important to clean the house and prepare the food, but it is also important to be with your guest - the entire reason for the cleaning and cooking.  Jesus wasn't saying to abandon the cleaning and cooking, but maybe to prioritize more accordingly.  I often find myself doing the same thing - tidying up the house, washing the dishes, clearing the table, etc, and no...