💖 HOMILY - JANUARY 28 💖

First Reading - Hebrews 10:1-10 

Gospel - Mark 3:31-35

In a world dominated by social platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter, our connections often remain superficial. Ironically, while these platforms aim to bring us closer, they sometimes make us less attentive to those physically around us. Today’s readings call us to embrace and nurture the deeper social and spiritual connections that form our community and family in the Church.

The first reading highlights the incomparable value of Christ’s sacrifice. Unlike the repeated offerings of animal blood in the Old Covenant, which could not bring true perfection, Christ’s sacrifice of His own body was once and for all, sufficient for the redemption of humanity. This sacrifice is not just a historical act but a constant reminder of our privilege as the ones for whom Christ gave Himself. It invites us to honor and live out the significance of being part of this redeemed family.

In the Gospel, we see an interesting scene where the family members of Jesus stand outside while His disciples sit with Him inside. This might seem perplexing, as if Jesus is distancing Himself from His family. However, the deeper message is about prioritizing the spiritual family—the community of believers united in the mission of the Kingdom of God. This passage does not diminish the value of earthly relationships but emphasizes that our relationship with Jesus and our spiritual family should take precedence. It challenges us to align our lives with the will of God, which often calls for sacrifices and a shift away from worldly standards.

Being with Jesus is not just a physical closeness but a deliberate choice to prioritize His teachings and values in our lives. It requires us to see Him as the center of our lives and to commit to living by the standards of the Kingdom. Jesus’ sacrifice shows us how much we are valued by God. In response, we are called to make Him the priority in our lives by living out His teachings and doing the will of the Father.

The Gospel also reminds us to cherish and uphold the spiritual family to which we belong. As believers, we are part of a greater family—the Church—united by faith and the love of Christ. This community is not just an abstract concept; it is a tangible expression of God’s presence. Jesus assures us of His presence whenever we gather in His name, reinforcing the importance of staying connected with the Church. To separate ourselves from this spiritual family is to risk distancing ourselves from Jesus.

Today, we are invited to evaluate our priorities. Are we nurturing our spiritual connections, or are we caught up in distractions that pull us away from our faith community? Let us embrace the call to value and participate actively in our spiritual family, recognizing it as a source of strength and closeness to Christ. 

May we always choose to remain with Jesus, treasuring His teachings and living according to the will of the Father. Let us cherish our spiritual family and grow together in faith, love, and unity, for it is within this community that we encounter the living presence of Christ.