6.29.23 - Matthew 12:47-50
Family of origin and chosen families, they both matter in the course of who we become. What's something simple you can do today to honor the family that has helped you become who you are?
Someone told him, ‘Look, your parent and your siblings are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.’ But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ And pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my sibling and parent.'
What makes someone family?
We’ve all had at least one experience when someone who was technically family treated us as if they knew nothing about us, whereas some stranger treats you closer than a friend.
Chances are that when we have these kinds of encounters, they are related to the values we hold. Having the same blood does not necessarily equate to having the same values.
Furthermore, just as in the physical it is possible to be so close to something that it becomes difficult to distinguish its features.
Family can be so close to us that they cannot see us for who we are in the process of becoming.
Elsewhere in scripture, Jesus says, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house (Mark 6:4).” If this was true for Jesus, how true might it be for us?
Do you have the expectation that you should be understood by those who have the closest proximity to you? How has this expectation shaped your ability to grow into who you need to be?
--Pedro Silva