A Homily on Mark 3:31-35 :Redefining Family (27-1-26)

 A reflection on true family and belonging in the light of Mark 3:31 to 35.(27-1-26)

Praise be to Jesus Christ

A citizenship ceremony was going on in a large hall. People from different place were seated together, each one carrying a long journey in the heart. None of them had been born in that country. They had waited patiently, learned the language, accepted the laws, and shaped their lives according to what was asked of them. There was a quiet seriousness in the air, mixed with hope and gratitude. When the official began to speak, the voice was calm but firm. It was said that citizenship  to the aspirants was being given not because of birth, but because of obedience to the laws and values of the country. From that day onward, they would belong and enjoy rights, but belonging would remain alive only as long as obedience remained faithful. As the ceremony ended, many eyes were filled with emotion. They understood that what they had received was both a gift and a responsibility. They were citizens not by birth, but by obedience, and they would remain so only by living what they had promised.

This simple scene helps us enter today’s Gospel. In Mark 3:31 to 35, Jesus speaks of belonging in a similar way. When his mother and relatives arrive, they are described as standing outside, while Jesus is inside with those who are listening to him. When the message is brought to him, Jesus responds with words that redefine family. Looking at those seated around him, he says, Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother (Mark 3:35). Jesus does not reject his family. He deepens the meaning of family. He teaches that true belonging is not guaranteed by birth, but formed by obedience to God’s will.

This is why Mary’s place in this Gospel must be understood with great care. Though she is described as standing outside (Mark 3:31), she is never outside the will of God. From the very first moment of her calling, Mary lived within God’s word. Her Yes at the Annunciation, Let it be done to me according to your word (Luke 1:38), was not a single response, but a lifelong way of living. She listened before she understood and trusted even when the path led her to suffering. When Jesus defines his true family as those who do the will of God, Mary stands at the heart of that definition. She is united to her Son not only by flesh, but by faithful obedience.

This way of belonging runs through the Old Testament. Abraham becomes the father of God’s people not by remaining within his clan, but by obeying God’s call and leaving his homeland (Genesis 12:1 to 4). Ruth enters the chosen line not through blood alone, but through faithful commitment when she says, Your people shall be my people and your God my God (Ruth 1:16). God’s family has always been built through obedience.

This redefinition of family also brings responsibility. If we truly belong to one family in Christ, we cannot remain indifferent to one another. Saint Paul reminds us, Whenever we have the opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith (Galatians 6:10). Obedience creates belonging, and belonging creates responsibility.

This vision became visible in the early Church. In the Acts of the Apostles, the first Christian community lived like one family. They prayed together, shared their possessions, broke bread together, and cared for one another (Acts 2:42 to 47). They were united not by blood, but by faith and obedience to the risen Lord.

This Gospel speaks clearly to our families and our religious communities today. We may share a house, a vocation, or a name, yet still stand outside one another’s hearts. Jesus invites us to belong more deeply. When we listen to God together and live his will, we become his true family.

 Lord Jesus, teach us to belong to you by listening to your word and living your will.

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