3M Reflection & Hymn - Family of the Word (Luke 8:19-21)

Family of the Word - Luke 8:19-21 C Wk 25 Tuesday 0:00 Begin 3:50 Hymn You will find a livelier version of the music at: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/gmx89q... Any comments? How are you using these? Reflection on Luke 8:19–21 In this short but profound passage, Luke tells us that Jesus’ mother and brothers came looking for Him, but could not reach Him because of the crowd. When He was told that His family was waiting, Jesus responded: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” At first, these words may sound harsh, even dismissive of His own family. Yet, they are not a rejection of Mary or His relatives; rather, they are a widening of the circle of belonging, an invitation into a deeper kind of kinship. Jesus reveals here that true relationship with Him does not depend on bloodlines, status, or proximity, but on obedience to God’s Word. This is not about reducing the importance of family bonds, but about showing that discipleship creates an even greater bond. In fact, Mary herself is the perfect example of this truth, for she is not only His mother in the flesh but the one who said, “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). She embodies the very obedience Jesus now praises. This moment challenges us to ask: On what do we base our identity and belonging? Many of us rely on heritage, culture, or personal achievement. But Jesus points to something deeper: hearing and doing God’s Word. It is not enough to listen passively; true discipleship demands response, conversion, and fidelity. This passage also offers us comfort. It reminds us that no one is excluded from Christ’s family. Even if our human ties are strained or broken, we are welcomed into the household of faith. The Church becomes our family, bound together not by human blood but by the blood of Christ. To hear God’s Word and live it out is to enter into the intimate family of Jesus. It is to find ourselves standing with Mary and the saints, united in obedience and love, and to discover that we are never alone but always embraced in the wide circle of God’s family. Let us pray. Lord Jesus, You invite us into the family of God, not through blood or heritage, but through listening to Your Word and living it with faith. Grant us hearts open to receive Your voice, and the courage to put it into practice each day. May we, like Mary, say “yes” to the Father’s will and rejoice in belonging to Your household of love. Heal the wounds of our earthly families, and bind us together in the communion of Your Spirit, where all are brothers and sisters in Christ. Keep us faithful to Your Word forever. Amen. Hymn: “Family of the Word” Verse 1 O Christ, You call us to belong, Not by the ties of flesh alone. Your Word creates a deeper bond, A household built on You, the Stone.\ Chorus We are Your family, Lord, Children of promise and Word. Brothers and sisters in Christ, Living in love and in light. Verse 2 Mary believed and bore Your name, She welcomed God with faithful heart. So we, who hear, are called the same, In love and trust we take our part. Chorus We are Your family, Lord, Children of promise and Word. Brothers and sisters in Christ, Living in love and in light. Verse 3 No one is lost, no soul cast out, Your mercy opens wide the door. The Church becomes our home of grace, Where all are family evermore. Chorus We are Your family, Lord, Children of promise and Word. Brothers and sisters in Christ, Living in love and in light. Bridge Not by blood, nor earthly claim, But by hearing and obeying— We belong, O Lord, to You, Ever faithful, ever true. Verse 4 So teach us, Lord, to walk Your way, To hear, to act, to live Your will. In faith we claim our place with You, Your Spirit binds us closer still. Chorus We are Your family, Lord, Children of promise and Word. Brothers and sisters in Christ, Living in love and in light. We belong, O Lord, to You, Ever faithful, ever true.