adopted by the best family ever
"Extending His hands to His disciples, He said: 'There are My mother and My brothers. Whoever does the will of My heavenly Father is brother and sister and mother to Me.' " —Matthew 12:49-50
Many people delight at the thought of marrying into a rich family. They might imagine: "Wow! Suddenly I'll have access to cars, homes, money, vacations, possessions, status, and prosperity that were never possible before this marriage. I'll do anything they ask, make any changes necessary, just to get into this family."
A common theme for movies is to show an orphanage full of children dreaming of being adopted into a loving family. These children profess that they'll do anything the family wants just to be taken home with the new family.
What good news Jesus announces to us today! Jesus is God! He has the ultimate family: the family of God! Moreover, His only condition for our adoption is that we do the will of God the Father (Mt 12:50). What an offer! Jesus actually wants us to share in the intimate joy of His family. He cherishes our company so much that He wants to become our Brother. Thank Jesus forever for His gracious love, and joyfully do the will of God the Father (Ps 40:9).
Prayer: Father, thank You for adopting me as Your child (Rm 8:15). I praise You forever for including me in Your will!
Promise: "Who is there like You, the God Who removes guilt and pardons sin for the remnant of His inheritance; Who does not persist in anger forever, but delights rather in clemency, and will again have compassion on us, treading underfoot our guilt?" —Mi 7:18-19
Praise: St. Bridget's father set apart all Fridays for special acts of Penance among the family. He instilled in his daughter a lifelong love for the Passion of Jesus Christ.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by one of our editors.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, December 4, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 10, 2001