Jesus transformed the relationship between husband and wife when He said that the Biblical provisions for divorce were no longer necessary (Mt 19:6ff; Dt 24:1-4). He transformed motherhood when He commanded His mother Mary to be the mother of all His disciples (Jn 19:26-27; cf Rv 12:17). Jesus transformed the meaning of fatherhood, sonship, and daughterhood when He told us to call God our Abba, that is, Father (Mt 6:9; Rm 8:15; Gal 4:6). This made us brothers and sisters of Jesus and of each other. Jesus said: "Whoever does the will of My heavenly Father is brother and sister and mother to Me" (Mt 12:50).
When we were baptized into Jesus, we were baptized into a radically transformed brotherhood and sisterhood. Paul spoke of those who bear "the title ‘brother' " (1 Cor 5:11). Brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ are recognized as special and exalted callings. Paul also spoke of "false claimants to the title of brother" (Gal 2:4). This implies that brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ are so valuable that we would want to claim these titles. If we are to claim in truth the title of brother or sister, we must lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters (1 Jn 3:16).
Consider brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ great honors. To claim these honors, lay down your life in love for your brothers and sisters.
| PRAYER: | Father, make me one in mind and heart with my brothers and sisters in Jesus (Acts 4:32). |
| PROMISE: | "As in the days when you came from the land of Egypt, show us wonderful signs." –Mi 7:15 |
| PRAISE: | George gave his life as a missionary for his brothers and sisters in Christ whom he hadn't met yet. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College