SAINT APOLLINARIS, BISHOP AND MARTYR (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

Whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother. 

Is Jesus putting conditions on membership in his family? That’s what we might assume from this verse. And yet Jesus loves each one of us unconditionally, and the only “condition” to becoming part of God’s family is that we accept his love and receive the gift of being baptized in his name.

But is that the only thing Jesus is asking of us? Think about an earthly family. Just as parents who love their children have certain expectations of them, so God expects us to do his will by loving him and our neighbor and by building his kingdom on earth.

We need to be careful here. The fact that God has expectations of us doesn’t mean he is like a taskmaster doling out chores. Not at all. We are his sons and daughters and not servants or slaves. And that means that God longs for our good actions to come from a place of love, not fear. He wants us to be like children who, secure in the love their parents have for them, want to please them and do what they ask. God knows that if we’re receiving his love and grace and feel secure in that love, then we’ll naturally be motivated to do his will and to serve him in whatever way he asks of us.

Of course, none of us are perfect. Just as we don’t always live up to our family responsibilities, we will sometimes fail to live up to the daily challenges of doing our Father’s will. Even when that happens, there is no room for fear. Our heavenly Father is not only loving but merciful as well. He will forgive us and give us every opportunity to try again.

Today, reflect on the fact that you are a beloved member of God’s family. Your heavenly Father cares for you more than the best earthly father ever could. He has an amazing plan for your life: as his son or daughter, you’re given the privilege of helping to build his kingdom on earth. May you always remember who you are and to whom you belong!

“Holy Spirit, help me to know in my heart that I am the Father’s child!”

Exodus 14:21–15:1
(Psalm) Exodus 15:8-10, 12, 17
Matthew 12:46-50

WORD AMONG US