THOSE WHO HEAR THE WORD

PRAYER PAUSE  

Tuesday 26 September 2017, Cosmas and Damian

THOSE WHO HEAR THE WORD

Pause. Enter into the stillness of God within.

Reading: “My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” (Luke 8:19-21)

Reflection. With different nuances these words are recorded by all three synoptic writers. They would have shocked his hearers. He was ignoring his mother and family in favour of his disciples. Yet is was a spontaneous response of Jesus. He lived for the new “family” that God was now creating “even as you listen” (Luke 4:21). The old family, tribal, national, racial, religious and other ties that gave people security must now be put in second place. The reign of God has begun. Everything else – even the intimacy of the family – has to give way. We still live in the old ways with our labelling and fear of others. It seems to be so difficult for us to build the sort of new society the gospels describe. People take up the ideals of the gospel - for liberty, equality and fraternity – but find it so hard to put them into practice.   

Prayer. Lord, help us to “hear the word of God” and find the courage and imagination to put itinto practice. Amen.