Short Reflection:

The Universal Kinship of the Divine Will

This liturgical text presents a passage from the Gospel of Mark that explores the nature of spiritual kinship through the teachings of Jesus. When informed that his biological family is waiting for him, Jesus uses the moment to redefine human relationships based on faith rather than bloodlines. He suggests that those who actively commit to God's purpose are integrated into his immediate family. By identifying his followers as his true siblings and parents, Jesus emphasizes that divine obedience creates a bond more profound than traditional ancestry. Ultimately, the source illustrates that allegiance to the divine will serves as the foundation for a new, universal community.

Long Reflection:

Catholic Reflections – Doing the Will of God

Date: Tuesday 27 January 2026

Liturgical: Tuesday of week 3 in Ordinary Time (or Saint Angela Merici, Virgin)

Outline:

• Opening prayer

• Gospel reading (paraphrased for easy listening)

• Reflection on belonging to Jesus and living God’s will

• Key points for discipleship

• Concluding prayer

Gospel – Mark 3:31–35 (paraphrased):

While Jesus was teaching, His mother and His relatives arrived. They stayed outside and sent word for Him, calling Him to come out.

The people sitting around Jesus told Him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside looking for you.” Jesus replied with a question: “Who are my mother and my brothers?”

Then He looked at the people gathered around Him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers.” And Jesus made it clear what He meant: whoever does the will of God belongs to Him as family—brother, sister, and mother.

Key Points:

1. Discipleship creates a new family

Jesus invites us into a spiritual family founded on faith, not only on blood.

2. Belonging is shown by obedience

The mark of closeness to Jesus is doing the will of God—listening, trusting, and acting on God’s word.

3. Mary is the perfect example

Mary is blessed not only as Jesus’ mother, but because she faithfully lived God’s will: “Let it be done to me.”

4. God’s will is not distant

It is lived in everyday choices—love, forgiveness, patience, service, and faithfulness.

5. Jesus makes room for us

When we choose God’s will, we are not outsiders. We are welcomed close—seen, known, and loved as family.

Concluding Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

thank You for welcoming us into Your family.

Teach us to love what the Father loves

and to desire His will above our own.

Give us hearts that listen,

minds that understand Your word,

and courage to obey even when it is difficult.

Help us to live as true brothers and sisters in Christ—

gentle, faithful, forgiving, and united in love.

May our daily choices draw us closer to You,

so that we may belong to You more completely.

Through the prayers of Saint Angela Merici,

teach us joyful holiness and faithful service.

Amen.

Tags: Catholic, Ordinary Time, Mark 3, Will of God, Discipleship, Spiritual Family, Brother Sister Mother, Obedience, Mary, Faithfulness, Community, Saint Angela Merici, Virgin, Daily Gospel, Prayer, Catholic Podcast, Catholic Reflections