Daily Gospel Reflection for September 26, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Luke 8:19-21

I am a city girl. I was born and raised in Washington, D.C. My parents believed that cultural experiences were the hallmarks of a well-bred young lady, so we frequented museums and art galleries throughout my childhood. To the outside world, my family must have seemed ideal, but the truth was much more complicated, and I longed for deliverance.

I eventually befriended a classmate, who invited me to spend the summer on her family farm. I reluctantly agreed, and quickly found myself knee-deep in the muck of rural Virginia. I was appalled at first—but swiftly adapted to the idea of a simple, unpretentious life. My friend and I were expected to work in the fields, where I learned how to plant, harvest, and care for the livestock; by summer’s end, I was bereft at the thought of returning home.

I decided to seek the counsel of my friend’s mother and asked her for admission into her family so that I could stay on the farm. She listened for a few moments and then smiled. “Don’t you know that you are already a part of our family? You will always have that—no matter where you go in life, you are loved . . . you are family.”

The Gospel reading for today tells us that the family of Jesus is asking for Him, but Jesus chooses that moment to alter our understanding of family. Now He expands the relationship to include “Those who hear the word of God and act on it.” His followers effectively become family because they love Him and hear His word.

Jesus is telling all of us that no matter where we go we are loved, for we choose to hear His word and act on it.

That makes us family . . . His family.

Ponder:

As a member of Jesus' family, what is my role in the family unit?

Pray:

Dear Jesus, thank You for calling me to be a member of Your family. Help me to live out this vocation with conviction and obedience to Your will.

Click to tweet:
Jesus is telling all of us that no matter where we go, we are loved, for we choose to hear His word and act on it. That makes us family … His family. #DailyGospel

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