23 Jan
Tue
3rd Week in Ordinary Time
Heb. 10:1-10
Ps. 40:1,3,6-7,9-10
Mk. 3:31-35
(Ps Wk III)
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There are some groups of people who always refer to each other as 'brother' or 'sister'. They are not necessarily religious groups (trade unions, for example, have traditionally done so), but they recognise a common interest that links members closely together both in their reflection and their communal activity. It is, too, a particularly Christian thing to call each other 'brother' or 'sister', especially when we pray and worship together, if not always in ordinary conversation. These words are found often in the New Testament books, and perhaps most famously in the lines of St Mark's gospel we listen to today.

Calling each other 'brother' or 'sister' may perhaps sometimes sound rather artificial. Perhaps also those people who told Jesus that His mother and relatives were waiting outside for Him may have felt His reply rather strange, artificial, or even dismissive. But the strong statement Jesus was making was about the word of God; that the word of God, listened to and accepted is a power and a bond greater than any other link or force between human beings. His own mother's greatness and relationship to Him, He was saying, isn't in the physical maternal bond of His human birth but in her reception of God's word, her welcome and acceptance of it.

Accepting God's word unites us together in a way beyond normal perceptions or imaging.



Lord, guide us to receive Your word more eagerly and follow it.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That in our time, unfortunately marked by many episodes of violence, the pastors of the Church may continue to indicate the way of peace and understanding among peoples.
Elaboration

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