New perspective on the meaning of family

Morning: Psalms 24, 29; Jeremiah 1:1-10; I Corinthians 3:11-23

Evening: Psalms 8, 84; Mark 3:31-4:9

It is somewhat shocking to hear Jesus ask, when told that his mother and siblings are outside: “Who are my mother and my siblings?” Though surprising, it is not so strange in the light of what he says next: “Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” Jesus extends his family allegiance and loyalty to all who align themselves with the will and ways of God. There is much debate about what constitutes family these days. Perhaps Jesus’s re-definition can help us broaden our perspective on the meaning of family beyond narrow and prejudicial stereotypes.