We are Family

The Roman Catholic Lectionary today presents texts which celebrate the compassion of God and discuss the meaning of kinship for humanity. Micah and the psalmist address the nature of God that delights in showing clemency to humanity which has not been faithful to the will of God. Matthew relates an episode where Jesus uses an apparent visit by his human family to offer the kinship with the Divine that his disciples are discovering to all who will seek and do the will of the Father. Micah uses the image of God as shepherd. He encourages God to “use His staff” to guide the people. The staff is the shepherd’s tool to be more forceful in guiding and protecting the flock. The “staff” points out the plan of the shepherd. The will of the Divine is the desired movement of the kin of Jesus. It is the guide for “family” action. As we participate as brothers and sisters of Jesus in the Body of Christ, we look to the Shepherd to point out the plan of the Father and we allow the Spirit to resonate within to move us to action in response to the plan revealed to “family”.