Family is a way to be related

Some understanding of the relationship desired by God with people comes through meditation with the texts today of the Roman Catholic Lectionary. Amos is called by God to leave his simple and poor life in Judah as a shepherd to go to the “northern tribes” and tell them how the eyes of God see the actions of the leaders which have impoverished the people and weakened spiritual practice. The family of those who share the Covenant with Moses is understood as a way whereby God relates to people. This family acts to direct the members about living within the principles of the family. Friar Jude Winkler comments on the letters of Paul to the Ephesians. In this passage, the invitation to be adopted children of God exists for people as part of the will of God for eternity. The Holy Spirit is expressed as the Love in the Trinity of Father for Son. Our invitation is to share intimately in that Love and live as members, today, of the family. The Gospel of Mark expresses evangelization as the invitation to others we encounter to join the family. Our lives should demonstrate the family characteristics of trust in Providence, hospitality, and care for people. The invitation is always offered to join the family, but it is not always accepted. We are sometimes in Amos role and we need to leave others with their free choice