Mother and Brothers of Jesus standing OUT SIDE

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Twenty Fifth Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 8:19-21*

*First Reading : Ezr 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5*

*Mother and Brothers of Jesus standing OUT SIDE*

*1) Literal “Outside”*

Physically outside the house, unable to get through the crowd.

Jesus is surrounded by disciples, learners, seekers — the new spiritual family.

Jesus' physical family is literally outside, while His spiritual family is inside, close to Him.

*2) Symbolic “Outside”*

This is where it gets deeply reflective:

Outside may represent being detached from the deeper mission of Jesus at that moment.

They may still be thinking in worldly terms — trying to protect Jesus, or bring Him back into “normal life.”

It suggests a distance — not just physical, but spiritual or relational.

Jesus’ reply isn’t disrespectful — He’s redefining family.

True kinship is based on obedience to the will of God, not just biology.

*3) What Does “Outside” Mean in Our Context?*

Here are some thoughtful applications of what "outside" could symbolize today:

*A) Being Near But Not Inside*

Many people are near Jesus — they know about Him, even admire Him — but they remain “outside”:

Not yet surrendering fully.

Standing at the edge of faith, but not stepping into it.

Content with watching, not participating.

Are we observing Jesus from the outside, or entering into relationship and discipleship with Him?

*B) Family Ties vs. Faith Commitment*

Sometimes cultural or familial expectations can pull us “outside” of God's calling.

Jesus challenges the idea that family obligations come before God's mission.

Do we let family pressures or traditions keep us outside of God’s will?

*C) Exclusion and Inclusion in the Church*

Who do we, as the Church, keep outside?

Do we create crowds that block others from reaching Jesus?

Is the church a place where outsiders can become insiders?

*D) Spiritual Blindness or Misunderstanding*

Even those close to Jesus — like Mary and His brothers — sometimes didn’t fully understand His purpose.

We too can fall into the trap of thinking we know Him, while missing His deeper call.

Am I “outside” because I misunderstand who Jesus really is and what He’s doing 

*5) A Personal Invitation*

Jesus doesn’t reject His family — He invites everyone into a new kind of family:

"Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." (Matt 12:50)

You are not meant to remain outside.

Come in. Listen. Follow. Obey. Be family.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*