Daily Gospel Reflection
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September 24, 2024
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.”
In this short scene, those of us in this FaithND family are a lot like Mary and Jesus’ relatives (“brothers” was a broad term for that culture): we come to a crowded email inbox every day, wishing to see Jesus. So what is he saying to us today?
Someone in the crowd noticed that Jesus’ family couldn’t reach him. In that large gathering, with people bunched up together and talking and straining to hear and see, this person was not listening to Jesus—instead, they were listening to whispers about who was in or out of his inner circle.
This person had good intentions, but Jesus makes it clear that he has better ones. Intimacy with him is not defined by genealogy or proximity, he explains—it is defined by faithfulness. The fact that this intermediary remains unnamed underscores Luke’s point that this story isn’t about status.
We are also unnamed persons in this story, so Jesus’ challenge extends to us: How do the opinions of others compete with our intention to hear God’s word and act on it?
It helps to be near other people who are seeking faithfulness. Being part of this digital FaithND community is a good start, but God has also placed someone in your life who listens to his voice and responds, even if it leads them to cut against the crowd. This is a good moment to reach out and thank them for their faithfulness. Jesus tells us today that the bonds of faith create family, so open the door to a deeper conversation. God is speaking his word in our lives always and everywhere.
Prayer
God, Father of all people, you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may we recognize the unity of all the baptized. Do not allow us to be distracted by the superficial distinctions drawn by the world. May we instead hear you call us all your mother and brothers and sisters. We are one in your Body. Help us to live as one. Amen.
Saint of the Day
St. Pacifico did not let a painful illness that robbed him of his speech and sight impair his pursuit of holiness.
He was born in 1653 in San Severino, Italy. When he was 5 years old, both of his parents died, and he was raised by an uncle, who was abusive and used the boy as a servant.
When he was 17 Pacifico joined the Franciscan order, and was ordained a priest at the age of 25. He spent two years teaching philosophy to his brothers in community, but it became clear that he had a talent for skillful preaching. He was sent throughout the region preaching and hearing confessions. His mission work was well received, and he had a gift for helping people confess their sins.
When he was in his mid-30s, he was struck blind and mute, and he developed sores that incapacitated his legs. He spent the rest of his time in the monastery, praying and doing what he could to help in the administration of his community.
Even though he suffered greatly from his debilitating illnesses, he continued to apply discipline to his body to sharpen his will; his superiors had to order him to limit his fasting because he would do his health further damage. During Mass, he was often caught up in ecstatic prayer, and would spend several hours in contemplation.
He was given the gifts of prophecy and healing, and after he died in 1721, miracles were reported at his tomb. His relics rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica.
St. Pacifico of San Severino, you would not let debilitating illness stand in the way of pursuing holiness--pray for us!