A Reflection for Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
“Here are my mother and my brothers.
For whoever does the will of God
is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mk 3:31-35)
When my father, my children, my niece and my nephews are gathered around my dinner table to celebrate a family birthday. Praying at the wake of a friend who was the inspiring and faithful patriarch of his beloved family. At an author talk at my local library, learning the latest parenting strategies. During Easter vigil mass, when the only light is from the candles we are each holding. On a Zoom call with incarcerated men who are sharing their hopes for their futures. Nodding in agreement and understanding during a faith-sharing session on an America pilgrimage. Celebratory texting in our 8-woman-strong group message with news of a job promotion of a close friend from college. At the daily huddle in America’s office, reviewing upcoming stories and getting organizational updates.
I have always felt the Holy Spirit’s presence most powerfully when I am in community with others. For me, the interconnectedness that emerges when we engage with each other to navigate life’s joys, struggles, celebrations and sorrows feels quite holy.
In today’s Gospel, Mark offers some insight into why the day-to-day and mundane interactions that we share make life so meaningful—they bind us as family. In trying to live more caring lives and striving to empathize, love, witness, help and honor, we are working to fulfill God’s expectations of us, elevating those ordinary moments to sacred ones. That said, amidst the busyness of my daily life and all the emails, texts, and Facebook posts that I navigate each day, I can sometimes feel like connecting directly and actively with someone is just one more thing to add to the “to-do” list. But in the end, it has always been worth it and I have felt grateful for the fulfillment that comes from these opportunities.
This notion was reinforced when I read Cynthia-Marie Marmo O’Brien’s article “The holiness of asking for help” in the January 2024 issue of America. Her article highlights how her experiences with others while serving as a volunteer crisis counselor have helped her to realize the holiness that comes from sharing, especially at times of great suffering. Her sentiments are not so different from my own and her reference to Galatians 6:2 “...carry each other’s burdens and so you will fulfill the law of Christ,” reiterates God’s desire for us to lean on each other and take full advantage of the wide human family that we have all been given.
Today’s Gospel has prompted me to reach out to a new friend who has been struggling with some issues in her life. Our conversation was affirming and lovely and I am beyond grateful I made the time to chat with her. As Christ taught us, doing the will of God in the way we care for each other binds us as family. What a gift to us all.
