Gospel LK 8:19-21

The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him
but were unable to join him because of the crowd.
He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside
and they wish to see you.”
He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers
are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”
Reflection:
“He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”
At Mass, I hear the word of God, but there are times when I find myself struggling to remember the gospel reading as I walk from the church to my car.
I have to discipline myself to be attentive and participate in the Mass and not just “attend” Mass.
In today’s gospel, Jesus is telling us that those who are His “mother and brothers,” His family, are the people who take His words to heart and try to “act” in accordance to His ways.
I cannot act on the word of God until I first absorb His word into my mind and heart.
As I approach the homeless person on the street with a sign, “Please help!”, do I wonder if his need is legitimate, or do I act on the words of Jesus in the gospel of Luke:  “Give to everyone who begs from you.” (Luke 6:30)
“The word of God is more powerful when put into action than when only spoken.”                                                          – – Gugu Mona