This document summarizes Jesus' teaching that those who do the will of God are part of his family, rather than just one's biological relatives. It discusses an episode where Jesus' mother and brothers come to see him, but Jesus says his true family is anyone committed to God's will. Doing God's will of loving him and others makes one Jesus' brother, sister or mother. The document encourages readers to build God's family by being understanding, enlightening and warm towards those undergoing trials. It describes an after school program that aims to rebuild children's trust and hope through creating a welcoming family atmosphere.

1. Word of Life
July 2020
For whoever does the will of
my Father in heaven is my
brother and sister and mother.”
(Mt 12,50).

2. “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven
is my brother and sister and mother.”

3. Matthew’s Gospel recounts an episode in Jesus’ life that could
at first seem relatively unimportant.

4. His mother and relatives of the family went to Capernaum,
where Jesus was staying with his disciples and proclaiming to
everyone there the Father’s love.

5. They had probably walked far to find him and they wanted to
talk to him.

6. They did not enter the place where Jesus was, but sent a
message,

7. “Your mother and your brothers are
outside, asking to speak with you.”

8. The family dimension was certainly very important
for the people of Israel;

9. They themselves were considered to be “children” of God and
heirs to his promises. Furthermore,
the people of Israel regarded one another as “brothers.”

10. But Jesus opened up an unexpected perspective. With a solemn
gesture of his hand, he pointed to his disciples and said:

11. “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven
is my brother and sister and mother.”

12. Jesus revealed a new dimension: anyone at all can feel part of
this family, if that person is committed to knowing and
fulfilling the will of the one Father.

13. Anyone: adult or child, man or woman, healthy or ill, from
every culture and social position.

14. Anyone:
every person is made in the image of God who is Love.

15. Indeed, each person is a being created by God,
with whom he or she can enter into a relationship of
knowledge and friendship.

16. Therefore, anyone can do the will of God,
which is to love him and one another.

17. And, if we love, Jesus recognizes us as his family
— his brothers and sisters.

18. This is such a huge opportunity that it catches us by surprise;
it frees us from the past, from our fears,
from our way of seeing things.

19. In this perspective, even our limitations and fragility can be
“launching pads” that propel us toward fulfillment.

20. Everything takes on a qualitative leap.

21. “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven
is my brother and sister and mother.”

22. In a certain way, we too can be the “mother” of Jesus.

23. Just as Mary made
herself available to God
from the moment of the
Annunciation, up to
Calvary, and then on to
the birth of the Church,

24. so we too can give birth and rebirth to Jesus in ourselves by
living the Gospel. Then,through our mutual love, we can
contribute to generating the presence of Jesus in the collectivity.

25. On one occasion, when Focolare founder Chiara Lubich was
addressing a group of people eager to put into practice
the Word of God, she said:

26. Are there people among you who are undergoing a spiritual
or a moral trial?
“Be a family.

27. Be understanding of them as a mother would, and even more.
Enlighten them through your word or example. Don’t let them
lack the warmth of a family, but rather increase it.

28. “Are there people among you who are suffering physically?
May they be our preferred brothers and sisters.

29. “Never put any activity of any kind before that of generating the
spirit of family with those brothers and sisters
with whom you are living.

30. “And wherever you go to bring Christ’s ideal ... the best thing
to do will be to create with discretion and prudence, but with
solid conviction, the spirit of a family.

31. It is a humble spirit; it wishes the best for everyone;
it is not proud; it is
... true charity.”

32. “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven
is my brother and sister and mother.”

33. Each one of us in everyday life can discover the task that
the Father has entrusted to us for the building up of the
great human family.

34. In Homs, Syria, more than 150 children, mostly Muslims,
attend after school sessions in a Greek Orthodox school.

35. Sandra, the director, explained: “We are a team of teachers
and specialists, and our aim is to create a family atmosphere
of welcome and support. Our work is based on dialogue and
the promotion of values.

36. “Many children are affected by the trauma and suffering
that they have experienced.

37. Some are apathetic, others aggressive. We want to rebuild
their trust in themselves and in others. The war often
causes division among families, but here they find the desire
and the hope to start again.”

38. Written by Letizia Magri
Graphics Anna Lollo in collaboration with Fr. Placido D’Omina (Sicily, Italy)
* * *
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This PPS, in various languages, is posted at: www.santuariosancalogero.org
“For whoever does the will
of my Father in heaven
is my brother and sister and mother.”