A simple and touching homily on Matthew 12:46 to 50, showing how true closeness to Jesus comes through obedience to God, with Mary as the perfect example.
Praise be to Jesus Christ
One day a king needed a new minister for his kingdom. Many educated and confident men came to the palace. They spoke strongly about their talents, their knowledge, and their achievements. The king listened to all of them, yet nothing touched his heart. Later, he noticed a young shepherd standing quietly near the gate. His clothes were simple, and he seemed shy. The king asked why he had come. The shepherd said, “My old father asked me to come. He told me that serving the king is a blessing.”
The king invited him inside and asked about his daily life. The shepherd said, “Before coming here, I cooked for my father, cleaned our small house, and arranged someone to watch the sheep. I cannot leave my responsibilities undone.” The king listened silently. There was something honest and humble in the shepherd’s words.
After meeting everyone, the king chose the shepherd. The advisors were shocked. They asked, “Why choose someone who knows nothing about ruling a kingdom?” The king replied, “He obeys his father with a sincere heart. A person who listens and is responsible at home will listen and be faithful when given greater responsibilities. His obedience shows the goodness of his heart.”
This little story helps us understand today’s Gospel from Matthew 12:46 to 50. When people tell Jesus that His mother and relatives are outside, He says, “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Jesus is not rejecting His family. He is teaching that real closeness to Him comes from obedience to the Father. It is not position, not blood, not knowledge, but a heart that listens and does God’s will.
In this sense, Mary stands as the most beautiful example. She is the Mother of Jesus in two ways. First, she is His bodily Mother because she carried Him in her womb. But she is also His spiritual Mother because she heard the word of God and lived it. She surrendered herself completely to God, even when she did not understand everything. She ignored her own plans and desires and chose God’s will above all. This is why Mary is the perfect model of the family Jesus speaks of in the Gospel.
Today we celebrate her Presentation in the Temple. Even as a little girl, she offered her whole life to God. From that moment until the end of her life, she lived with a listening and obedient heart.
We see this same truth in the Old Testament. Abraham obeyed even when the road was unclear. Samuel listened to God as a child. David was chosen because he learned to listen in the quietness of the fields. God always chooses those who listen.
This Gospel also speaks to our families today. A house becomes a home when people try to listen to God and follow His will. When parents forgive, when children respect their parents, when families pray even for a few minutes together, God’s peace begins to enter the home. Obedience to God brings unity. The shepherd became close to the king because he obeyed with a sincere heart. We become part of the family of Jesus when we listen to the Father and follow His will with love.
Lord Jesus, let your will be done in my life .
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God Bless…
Incredibly helpful. I felt really motivated. Thanks really 👍👍👍👍
Loved the story
Wonderful message keep it up, please pray for me to accept the will of God, 🙏 Fr Nirmal Mary SAB,