Daily Devotional for February 19

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February 19                                                      Mark 3:31-4:9
   

               "Here are my mother and my brothers!
           Whoever does the will of God is my brother,
                           and sister, and mother."

There is a saying in our society, "Blood is thicker than water."
This saying is usually invoked to strengthen family loyalties.
Jesus turns these words and their message around. In fact, his
teaching about family could literally be stated as, "Water is
thicker than blood"! Water is the bonding agent of the family
of God. The water of baptism creates family ties to those who
are born of the Spirit.

Even in the church, there are many who lament that they have
been cut off from families. Christ heals this wound by redefin-
ing family. While we may have no ability to change the minds
and hearts of those who have rejected us, we do have the
ability and grace to be bonded to those persons whom Christ
has brought to us as new brothers and sisters. Where lonely
and separated souls dwell, God creates and offers family.

I have come to know my true family to be that larger body,
the congregation of the faithful whose love and truth sustain
me. Even when my relatives cut me off from communion with
them. I find my true family sustaining my spirit, giving me
joy. I am never abandoned to isolation and loneliness.

      Open my heart, Jesus. I want to receive your truth
   about family. Plant your teaching in me so it may bear
        the fruit of freedom and joy. I don't want to feel
                     alone or abandoned any more.

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From The Road to Emmaus - An inclusive devotional Edited by Joseph W. Houle

Emmaus House of Prayer - Washington D.C.1989