RBWords

    The words of the lady in the crowd  echo those of Elizabeth upon greeting Mary in the "visitation" scene. [Luke 1:41-42]: "Most blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb."  These words are enshrined in the very familiar "Hail Mary" prayer of Catholic tradition.  This prayer (at least the first part of it - the second part dates to the 15th century) is one of the first prayers that any Catholic learns!  But Jesus seems to throw some cold water on the lady's enthusiastic cry!  In general, Jesus seems to deflect attention away from his biological family.  Other than the tender moment at the foot of the cross [John 19:26-27], Jesus seems to take a distant attitude about them, beginning with the story of his "disappearance" in the infancy narrative in Luke. "Why were you looking for me?  Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house."

     Scripture scholars point to some evidence that there may have been a power struggle between members of Jesus' family/clan and others, such as the apostles, over the development and identity of the early community.  Reliance on family/clan relationships is a powerful social force in the Middle East.  The gospels place the emphasis instead on discipleship which means "hearing the word of God and observing it."  Discipleship is not based on bonds of kinship or position in the community.  The words of St. Paul in the first scripture from his Letter to the Galatians express it well: For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus.  For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."  That includes kinfolks!!

     The lady who called out meant well.  But Jesus set the emphasis where it remains.  We are called to "hear the word of God and observe it." AMEN