Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs

He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

Jesus makes clear who he considers as his family. It is those who hear the Word of God and act on it. It is actually easy to hear the Word of God. It is in the Bible we read. It is in the readings and sermons we hear during mass. Sometimes it is whispered to us by other people in our lives. Other times it is shouted at us. However, it is much more difficult to act on the Word of God. Actions as the saying goes, speak louder than words. Even the most subtle, loving action proclaims the Good News more convincingly than some of the greatest preachers in the world. God wants our actions to reflect Him and His Loving Light into the world. This requires us to first listen, but then make the choice to do what is right and good even if it might cause us problems. So let us be open to the Word of God and make it the source, center, and summit of our everyday words and works so that when we see Jesus face-to-face he will call out to us as his beloved spiritual family.

Do we listen to the Word of God? After we listen, do we act on it? If we don't act, then how can we become better fulfillers of the teachings of Jesus Christ?

O Lord, make us doers of your will and worthy members of your spiritual family.

Amen.