Sacred Siblings

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to examine how our understanding of who we accept as a sibling aligns with Jesus' love and inclusion.

All Our Siblings?

The reading from the Book of Proverbs uses the image of chasing a bubble over deadly snares to describe some of the ways we exert influence.

* [21:1] “Channeled water” in Is 32:2 and Prv 5:16 is water that fertilizes arid land. It takes great skill to direct water, whether it be water to fertilize fields or cosmic floods harnessed at creation, for water is powerful and seems to have a mind of its own. It also requires great skill to direct the heart of a king, for it is inscrutable and beyond ordinary human control.

* [21:3] External rites or sacrifices do not please God unless accompanied by internal worship and right moral conduct; cf. 15:8; 21:27; Is 1:11–15; Am 5:22; Mal 1:12.

* [21:4] Heart and eyes depict, respectively, the inner and the outer person. “Haughty eyes” peering out from a “proud heart” show a thoroughly arrogant person. How can such a person flourish! Their lamp, which signifies life, will go out.

* [21:5] The antitheses are diligent and impetuous. The metaphor characterizing each type is taken from the world of commerce. Planning is important; bustle leads to waste.

* [21:12] It is difficult to ascertain the subject of the saying. Some hold it is the Lord, the “Righteous One,” who is normally the executor of justice in Proverbs. Others believe it is the just person who is the agent of divine justice. “Righteous One” is a title for God in Is 24:16. The best argument for making God the subject of the verb is that elsewhere in Proverbs righteous human beings never do anything to the wicked; only God does. (Proverbs, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 119 praises God for giving such splendid laws and instruction for people to live by.

 

* [Psalm 119] This Psalm, the longest by far in the Psalter, praises God for giving such splendid laws and instruction for people to live by. The author glorifies and thanks God for the Torah, prays for protection from sinners enraged by others’ fidelity to the law, laments the cost of obedience, delights in the law’s consolations, begs for wisdom to understand the precepts, and asks for the rewards of keeping them. (Psalms, PSALM 119 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke presents the essence of Jesus and His Family.

* [8:19] His brothers: see note on Mk 6:3.

* [8:21] The family of Jesus is not constituted by physical relationship with him but by obedience to the word of God. In this, Luke agrees with the Marcan parallel (Mk 3:31–35), although by omitting Mk 3:33 and especially Mk 3:20–21 Luke has softened the Marcan picture of Jesus’ natural family. Probably he did this because Mary has already been presented in Lk 1:38 as the obedient handmaid of the Lord who fulfills the requirement for belonging to the eschatological family of Jesus; cf. also Lk 11:27–28. (Luke, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. John Shea, SJ, comments that Jesus is expanding our notion of who belongs in the family of God: “those who hear the word of God and act upon it.”

This challenges all of us. Suddenly, family isn’t just my immediate family or even my extended family. It includes all believers. Even if we don’t enjoy a healthy relationship with our biological family, we know how we ought to behave towards a family member. Parents ought to provide unconditional love to their children. Siblings ought to love and support each other. I’m sure you, like me, fall short of this ideal with your families. So, we shouldn’t be surprised when we fail to extend the same love and compassion to our brothers and sisters in the Lord. If we fail to love our children (the unborn and the born, including victims of child trafficking and those held in detention centers) then how can we love the poor, the immigrant and the refugee? By expanding our concept of family, Jesus makes it far more difficult to place family first. (Shea, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Those who listen and obey God's word become true children of God,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"The present lesson teaches us that obedience and listening to God are the causes of every blessing. Some entered and spoke respectfully about Christ's holy mother and his brothers. He answered in these words, 'My mother and my brothers are they who hear the word of God and do it.' Now do not let any one imagine that Christ scorned the honor due to his mother or contemptuously disregarded the love owed to his brothers. He spoke the law by Moses and clearly said, 'Honor your father and your mother, that it may be well with you' (Deuteronomy 5:16). How, I ask, could he have rejected the love due to brothers, who even commanded us to love not merely our brothers but also those who are enemies to us? He says, 'Love your enemies' (Matthew 5:44).

"What does Christ want to teach? His object is to exalt highly his love toward those who are willing to bow the neck to his commands. I will explain the way he does this. The greatest honors and the most complete affection are what we all owe to our mothers and brothers. If he says that they who hear his word and do it are his mother and brothers, is it not plain to every one that he bestows on those who follow him a love thorough and worthy of their acceptance? He would make them readily embrace the desire of yielding themselves to his words and of submitting their mind to his yoke, by means of a complete obedience." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 42) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the passage from Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings that are how to live a good life by being humble, seeking the Lord and giving to the poor. In later chapters of Proverbs the lesson is more spiritual but here there are simply lessons for leaders. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus identifies His Mother and brothers. In Jesus' community people related as cousins were treated as brothers. (Roman Catholic tradition). If Mary had remarried, Jesus could be referring to half brothers (Orthodox tradition). Some Protestant communities accept Mary had additional children. (full brothers and sisters) The ancient tradition supports one child of Mary. Other Gospel accounts are less ambiguous. Friar Jude comments that Mary surrendered to the Word and she fills the role of Mother of Jesus spiritually. 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Meditation on Luke 8:19-21 comments that Jesus honored his family and cared for his mother, even from the cross (John 19:25-26). But he also knew that he had come to create a new, wider family built on obedience to his word and the power of the Holy Spirit.

You are part of that family! You entered it through faith in Jesus’ word and the gift of the Holy Spirit at Baptism. You are now a son or daughter of God! You honor and deepen that relationship as you continue to hear and act on Jesus’ words, especially as you love your brothers and sisters. In fact, your bond with Jesus and the people who belong to him can become as strong as the closest family bond—and it will last through eternity. What a privilege it is to belong to the Lord and one another as members of his spiritual family!

“Thank you, Lord, for bringing me into your family!” (Meditation on Luke 8:19-21, n.d.)

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Palestinian Quaker Jean Zaru who bears witness to her commitment to nonviolent resistance. She writes of the ongoing commitment necessary to live out nonviolent struggle for justice.

I believe that we are called to conversion: to be converted to the struggle of women and men everywhere who have no way to escape the unending fatigue of their labor and the daily denial of their human rights and human worth. We must be converted, so to speak, to a new vision of human dignity, what we call “that of God” in each person, even in those we oppose….  

Ultimately, I have learned that the nonviolent struggle for justice is one struggle, and that action to subvert violence and strengthen human rights in one place is an action on behalf of all people everywhere.

I have managed to find peace within—without having to embrace with approval the violence around me. Love of one’s enemies forces me to recognize that my enemy, too, is a child of God. This realization is necessary if our enemies are ever to make the changes we are requiring of them. It is really only in the light of love that I am liberated to work for peace and freedom.

We need to invoke the Spirit to fill our hearts and minds and enkindle the fire of love that recognizes our siblings are all people, as we all are children of God.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 22, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/8? 

Meditation on Luke 8:19-21. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved September 22, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/09/22/1674423/ 

Proverbs, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved September 22, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/proverbs/21?1 

Psalms, PSALM 119 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved June 22, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/119?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Loyalty to Christ’s Peace. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved September 22, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/loyalty-to-christs-peace/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Hear the Word of God and Do It. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved September 22, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Shea, J. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved September 22, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-september-22-2026 

Liturgy and Life

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to consider the role of our social and cultural practices in generating the opportunity to commit to a life governed by love for all who come into our environment.

Liturgy of Life

 

In the Reading from the Second Book of Samuel The Ark is Brought to Jerusalem.

* [6:14] Girt with a linen ephod: the ephod was some sort of priestly vestment (probably like an apron); cf. Ex 28:4; Jgs 17:5; 1 Sm 2:18, 28; 14:3; 22:18; 23:6. The cultic procession that accompanies the ark to the holy mountain, Zion, is led by King David, dancing ecstatically and wearing a priestly vestment. (2 Samuel, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 24 presents a choir that identifies the approaching God.

* [Psalm 24] The Psalm apparently accompanied a ceremony of the entry of God (invisibly enthroned upon the ark), followed by the people, into the Temple. The Temple commemorated the creation of the world (Ps 24:1–2). The people had to affirm their fidelity before being admitted into the sanctuary (Ps 24:3–6; cf. Ps 15). A choir identifies the approaching God and invites the very Temple gates to bow down in obeisance (Ps 24:7–10). (Psalms, PSALM 24 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark presents Jesus and His Family.

* [3:20–35] Within the narrative of the coming of Jesus’ relatives (Mk 3:20–21) is inserted the account of the unbelieving scribes from Jerusalem who attributed Jesus’ power over demons to Beelzebul (Mk 3:22–30); see note on Mk 5:21–43. There were those even among the relatives of Jesus who disbelieved and regarded Jesus as out of his mind (Mk 3:21). Against this background, Jesus is informed of the arrival of his mother and brothers [and sisters] (Mk 3:32). He responds by showing that not family ties but doing God’s will (Mk 3:35) is decisive in the kingdom; cf. note on Mt 12:46–50.

* [3:32] Your brothers: see note on Mk 6:3. (Mark, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Colette O’Meara-McKinney comments that we are all invited to witness, engage, and live with the presence of God as the guiding light. We are invited to witness this joy and bring our own full selves to the experience of God.

This is a positive entry into the Gospel. Just as David’s joy is both personal and communal, Jesus reminds us that we are all in this together. He refers to his family as all of us, humanity with our flaws and strengths, our successes, and our stumbles. This commitment to each other enhances the joys while demanding that we don’t turn away in darker times. We hold each other up in support while holding each other accountable.

Perhaps our prayer in reflection is to better understand what it means to be a person of God’s family and live in a way that demonstrates that connection through words, actions, and spirit. (O'Meara-McKinney, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The cross of Christ as victory,” by Augustine of Hippo, 430-543 A.D.

"[Mary] did the Father's will. It was this in her that the Lord magnified, not merely that her flesh gave birth to flesh... When he said, 'Blessed are they who hear the Word of God and keep it' (Luke 11:28), he was in effect saying: 'My mother whom you have called blessed is blessed for the reason that she keeps the Word of God, not that the Word was made flesh in her and dwelt among us (John 1:14), but that she keeps the very Word of God through which she was made and which was made flesh in her." (excerpt from TRACTATE ON JOHN 10.3.2) (Schwager, n.d.)

 The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 3:31-35 comments that Jesus wants us to know him in a new way, too. We might have our routines that we’re accustomed to. We go to Mass; we read the Scriptures. But are we listening attentively to what he might have to say to us today? Or have we, like his family, settled into the status quo in our relationship with Jesus and are happy to stay that way?

Today, accept Jesus’ invitation to approach him anew as Teacher and Lord. Take the next step toward a deeper faith in him. Align yourself with the family of believers who listen to his voice and obey God’s will. Then, as Mary told the servants at the wedding in Cana, “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5).

“Lord Jesus, I want to see you with fresh eyes. I want to listen to your voice and do your will.” (Meditation on Mark 3:31-35, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in 2 Samuel, David brings the Ark to Jerusalem. He recounts the consequence of the death of the soldier at the home of Obed Edom from touching the Ark. He brings the Ark with sacrifice and dancing. Kings had priestly functions at that time. It seems to have ended around 780 BCE. The idea of a King considered as a priest continues at British coronations. Jesus proclaims “here are my brothers and sisters” Jesus suggests here that the disciples are better than Jesus' family, who are not quite believing and even the inappropriate response of the apostles supports this. A dusty and dirty prophet as the “Son of God” is difficult to accept. The Pharisees reject him. In Mark’s Gospel there is much difficulty in accepting Jesus. Friar Jude presents this as a consolation for us, as God reveals Himself in His time not our time.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces public theologian Rachel Held Evans (1981–2019) who recounts the historical circumstances that led to the creation of the Old Testament. The Bible can be understood as a call to remember our shared humanity.

And so we have on our hands a Bible that includes psalms of praise, but also psalms of complaint and anger, a Bible that poses big questions about the nature of evil and the cause of suffering without always answering them. We have a Bible that says in one place that “with much wisdom comes much sorrow” (Ecclesiastes 1:18) and in another “wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom” (Proverbs 4:7 HCSB). We have a Bible concerned with what to do when your neighbor’s donkey falls into a pit…. We have a Bible that depicts God as aloof and in control in one moment, and vulnerable and humanlike in the next, a Bible that has frustrated even the best systematic theologians for centuries because it’s a Bible that so rarely behaves.

In short, we have on our hands a Bible as complicated and dynamic as our relationship with God, one that reads less like divine monologue and more like an intimate conversation. Our most sacred stories emerged from a rift in relationship, an intense crisis of faith. Those of us who spend as much time doubting as we do believing can take enormous comfort in that. The Bible is for us too. (Rohr, n.d.)

We ask the Spirit to lead us to the uncomfortable truths of narrow application of our mission as disciples of Christ and call us to serve all of God’s Children and as family in the Body Of Christ.

References

Mark, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 27, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/3?31 

Meditation on Mark 3:31-35. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved January 27, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/01/27/1488130/ 

O'Meara-McKinney, C. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton University Online Ministries. Retrieved January 27, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-january-27-2026 

Psalms, PSALM 24 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 27, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/24?7 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 27, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-book-to-remember/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Whoever Does the Will of God Is My Brother and Sister. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 27, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

2 Samuel, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 27, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2samuel/6?12 

Humility Serves All

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to resolve contradictions in our call to action as Christians to address special needs of some communities and at the same time offer our loving service to all people in our community.

Serving All

 

In the Reading from Romans Paul declares Love Fulfills the Law.

* [13:8–10] When love directs the Christian’s moral decisions, the interest of law in basic concerns, such as familial relationships, sanctity of life, and security of property, is safeguarded (Rom 13:9). Indeed, says Paul, the same applies to any other commandment (Rom 13:9), whether one in the Mosaic code or one drawn up by local magistrates under imperial authority. Love anticipates the purpose of public legislation, namely, to secure the best interests of the citizenry. Since Caesar’s obligation is to punish the wrongdoer (Rom 13:4), the Christian who acts in love is free from all legitimate indictment. (Romans, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 112 declares blessings are received by those who remain close to God.

* [Psalm 112] An acrostic poem detailing the blessings received by those who remain close to God by obedience to the commandments. Among their blessings are children (Ps 112:2), wealth that enables them to be magnanimous (Ps 112:3, 5, 9), and virtue by which they encourage others (Ps 112:4). The just person is an affront to the wicked, whose hopes remain unfulfilled (Ps 112:10). The logic resembles Ps 1; 111. (Psalms, PSALM 112|USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus presents Sayings on Discipleship.

* [14:25–33] This collection of sayings, most of which are peculiar to Luke, focuses on the total dedication necessary for the disciple of Jesus. No attachment to family (Lk 14:26) or possessions (Lk 14:33) can stand in the way of the total commitment demanded of the disciple. Also, acceptance of the call to be a disciple demands readiness to accept persecution and suffering (Lk 14:27) and a realistic assessment of the hardships and costs (Lk 14:28–32).

* [14:26] Hating his father…: cf. the similar saying in Mt 10:37. The disciple’s family must take second place to the absolute dedication involved in following Jesus (see also Lk 9:59–62). (Luke, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB, n.d.)

A Member of Creighton University Community asks us to face the fact that total commitment is not part of our culture. We change jobs frequently, we move from one place to another rather often (and often enough across long distances), and few of us can look back at a family home that we have had for generations and can still call ours. Marriage is only temporary for too many of our brothers and sisters, and among the young, sex is so casual and uncommitted that often enough the two don’t even know each other’s names. Change is a constant in our lives on many levels, if not most of them.

The Lord asks us to commit ourselves to him fully, and many of us try to do so, but none of us is able to reach the absolute commitment of Mary. If we really do put ourselves out, however, as prudently and wisely as today’s reading suggests, the Three Persons will each work to support us and we will win through, but we need to pay attention, to truly discern just what God is asking and how serious we are.

God is waiting for our decision, which is absolutely necessary, and if we stand in fear we need to remember that Christ also says “Come to me all you who labor and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light“ (Matthew 11:29).

So what demands is he asking of me in particular? And what is my response? (Member of the Creighton University Community, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus permits us to love family but not more than God,” by Cyril of Alexandria, 375-444 A.D.

"He says, 'He that loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me. He that loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me' (Matthew 10:37). By adding 'more than me,' it is plain that he permits us to love, but not more than we love him. He demands our highest affection for himself and that very correctly. The love of God in those who are perfect in mind has something in it superior both to the honor due to parents and to the natural affection felt for children." (excerpt fromCOMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 105) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Romans 13:8-1 comments that we all tend to want to take care of ourselves and those closest to us. But love involves more than our feelings. It’s a choice to do something for someone else even when we don’t feel like it. And that’s where the Holy Spirit comes in.

In each of these situations, the Spirit is bringing God’s own love to life in you and empowering you to share it! As you experience God’s love, the Holy Spirit is forming that love in your heart. You start to care for people as you have been cared for. You begin to look upon everyone, even those you might consider enemies, through the lens of the love you’ve received. And that perspective changes the way you treat people. It moves you to look out for their needs and place a priority on their good. You are learning to love the way that God does. And that means you are fulfilling the law!

“Holy Spirit, teach me to love today!” (Meditation on Romans 13:8-1, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that, in Romans, Paul sums the commandments in love of God and love of neighbour. In speaking to a community of Jewish Christians, Paul is challenged to show Love is the basis of our actions rather than adherence to laws. Luke presents Jesus' expression of hating in a very Jewish way of making a point unlike Matthew who softens the words. Luke, a Gentile, tends to quote Jesus exactly to avoid criticism. Friar Jude underlines the importance of knowing the cost of discipleship. We should know the cost is everything and our love has Jesus as the centre of our life.

Fr. Mike Schmitz breaks down the doctrine of purgatory as we read about Judas Maccabeus and his army praying for the dead in 2 Maccabees 12. We learn that purgatory is a process of purification that our hearts need in order to be ready to love God and to enter into his presence. In our reading of Wisdom today, Fr. Mike emphasizes the insanity of worshipping idols and how it's more tempting to make idols out of good things rather than evil things. Today's readings are 2 Maccabees 12, Wisdom 13-14, and Proverbs 25:11-14.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, recalls that in 1942, Clarence Jordan established Koinonia Farm in Georgia as a pacifist, interracial “demonstration plot” for the kingdom of God. Jordan understood the gospel as something Christians must consciously choose to live out. What does Jesus mean by “poor in spirit”? In Luke’s account it is simply “you poor.” What kind of poverty is he talking about? If you have a lot of money, you’ll probably say spiritual poverty. If you have little or no money, you’ll probably say physical poverty. The rich will thank God for Matthew; the poor will thank God for Luke. Both will say, “He blessed me!” Well, then, who really did get the blessing?

It is neither wealth nor poverty that keeps people out of the kingdom—it is pride.  

So the poor in spirit are not the proud in spirit. They know that in themselves—in all people—there are few, if any, spiritual resources. They must have help from above. They desperately need the kingdom of heaven. And feeling their great need for the kingdom, they get it. (Rohr, n.d.)

We are sadly aware of our tendency to restrict our attention and action to those who are in our social and political silos even as we seek the Wisdom of the Spirit to ponder Jesus teaching that we need to expand our love to the point of rejection of the limits we have placed through priorities on our care and compassion.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 5, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/14?25 

Meditation on Romans 13:8-1. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved November 5, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/11/05/1422417/ 

Member of the Creighton University Community. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved November 5, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-november-5-2025 

Psalms, PSALM 112|USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved November 5, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/112?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 5, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/not-for-the-proud/ 

Romans, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 5, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/13?8 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The True Cost of Discipleship. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 5, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/