I always understand believing as entering into a relationship. In John 15:16, Jesus says: “You did not choose me. I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” This expresses the very heart of the covenant between God and humanity. It is precisely for this reason that Jesus became human: to invite us into a living relationship with God.
In today’s Gospel reading, we hear that Jesus’ mother and his brothers came looking for him. In response, Jesus asks: “Who are my mother and my brothers?” Pointing to those seated around him, he says: “Here are my mother and my brothers.” With this statement, Jesus explains what it truly means to believe in God—not merely by blood or status, but by relationship and discipleship.
Being There for God
Through baptism, we enter into a relationship of faith with Jesus and become members of the Body of Christ, the Church. However, being baptized alone is not enough. We are called to surrender our time and our talents and place them at the service of God’s mission on earth.
It is worth asking ourselves: In what ways am I truly there for Jesus in my daily life? Today, we witness a decline of interest in the affairs of the Kingdom of God, even among the baptized. In many parishes, it is increasingly difficult to find people willing to serve as lectors, acolytes, sacristans, catechists, or members of parish councils. Some parents prefer taking their children to football training or other activities instead of encouraging them to serve at Mass. Being baptized is not enough to please God; we must devote our time and energy to Him.
Listening to His Word
Secondly, Jesus emphasizes the importance of listening to his word. Why is this so essential? Because, as Scripture reminds us, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). The Word of God is our strength and nourishment.
Karl Rahner rightly said, “The Christian of the future will be a mystic, or he will not exist at all.” This challenges us to ask: In what ways do we listen to the Word of God today? Some people intentionally watch EWTN to be spiritually nourished. Others read the Bible or spiritual books regularly. Ludwig Feuerbach famously said, “You are what you eat.” Spiritually speaking, we become what we consume—if we feed on God’s Word, our lives will reflect it.
Doing the Will of God
The will of God, as Jesus teaches, is that we believe in him as the Son of God (cf. John 6:40). God desires that we accept Jesus, make time for him, sit at his feet, and listen to him. Accepting Jesus also means accepting his commandment: “A new commandment I give you: love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34).
This, in essence, summarizes God’s will for us. Mother Teresa of Calcutta beautifully expressed this when she said:
“The fruit of prayer is faith. The fruit of faith is love. And the fruit of love is service.” If we truly believe that Christ is present in the poor, then love will naturally lead us to action—first in our homes, then among our neighbors, in our country, and ultimately throughout the world.
Mary: A Model of Relationship with God
In conclusion, Mary stands as a powerful symbol of what it means to believe in God. From the very beginning of her life, she lived in a deep relationship with Him. She surrendered herself completely so that the Kingdom of God might be made visible in the world. She not only listened to the Word of God but pondered it in her heart and bore abundant fruit through love.
May Mary help us to grow into authentic believers—men and women who truly live in relationship with God.
Beautiful reading devoted to the love of God through Jesus His son.