Jesus belongs to all (HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 16th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II JULY 23 2024

HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 16th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II JULY 23 2024

Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; Ps.85; Matthew 12:46-50

Jesus belongs to all

The most powerful tool Jesus employed in establishing his Father’s kingdom here on earth is teaching. Jesus was always teaching. He didn’t establish a school with students, neither did he draw out a syllabus. Instead, he would turn every encounter with people to an opportunity to teach them. Such was the case in today’s gospel reading. Mary set out to look for her son. Perhaps she was bordered by the long hours he has been away from home, or his health or even the growing opposition to the Son’s ministry. Infact rumours went round that Jesus was losing his mind. No caring mother or relative will be blind to such situation.

The moment Jesus heard that his mother and brethren came for him, he turned the situation to an opportunity to teach. He taught them that his belongingness is not tied only to those with whom he shared blood relation but much more with those who will listen and do the will of God.

Through this response, Jesus was by no means rude to the mother and brethren; infact his response further clarified Mary’s mission in these likely words: _Mother, out of love, you came in search of me. I am not your only child. These too who listen and do my Father’s will are your children. Take care of them._ This clarity enabled Mary to take up the cross. She humbly accepted God’s will and sought His grace to fulfil it.

Dearly beloved, how willing are we to embrace as our own the broad family of God? This is really what doing God’s will entails. Love that is limited is no love at all. The love of God unites all. No kingdom divided against itself can ever stand. The kingdom of God can never be establish in the hearts of those who segregate. I enjoy you to use every encounter with a neighbour to establish God’s kingdom.

God bless you all