“Blood is thicker than water,” some people would say. In this gospel, the Lord does not talk about the relationships that we have with our family, friends, lovers, neighbors and co-workers, but instead He means to emphasize the relationships that are born through people congregating together to praise Him; those who become one and believe in Him. The Lord redefines the meaning of relationships – it is not just in the matter of flesh and blood, but anyone who “…does God’s will…”. Those people whom we see at Mass, and those who do good and follow the footsteps of the Lord, these are the people whom we should truly call our brothers and sisters.

Filipinos and Chinese in general have a strong bond with their families. This is overtly practiced by having family reunions, celebrating holidays and birthdays together, sticking to one another no matter what, and covering each other’s back for mistakes and troubles. There is no problem with this, but the Lord calls us to open up our minds, to welcome new relationships in our life with those who have the same Catholic beliefs, and most especially, to renew our relationship with him.

Our Lord shares a true and perfect relationship with us. Where in the world can you find someone who is as compassionate, understanding, loving and forgiving as God is? He challenges us to be the best that we can be and helps us to see through the darkness. There is always hope. Let us not forget that our Lord is capable of transforming us to become like him, to be more loving and generous to our fellow brothers and sisters. He invites us to do this together as a community, as a real family. May we continue to seek his guidance in strengthening these special relationships all rooted in our praise and worship of a loving Father.