There are some texts from the Bible which we know well –
we have heard, or read, some of Jesus’ parables many times and we are familiar with their message.
On the other hand, there are other texts that we do not recognize as easily.
Yet often, the message they offer us is striking and… more than a little encouraging!
This may be the case with the 2nd reading of today’s celebration (Hebrews 2:9-11).
The author of the epistle to the Hebrews says:
“Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family”.
And he adds immediately the logical conclusion:
“So, Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters”.
If we pause a moment to realize what this means… it is quite astonishing!
It is, in a single sentence, the presentation of God’s incarnation – God has become a human being like us!
We are “of the same family”, indeed – God himself has chosen to be born of a woman of our race.
Every time we recite the Creed – which is, in fact, the summary of what we believe – we dare to say:
“I believe in Jesus Christ… conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary”.
So, Jesus acknowledges us – all of us – as his “brothers and sisters”.
Do we realize what this involves?
The question arises: Do WE recognize him as… our brother, truly so?…
Do we have with him a close relationship?
Do we turn to him with the spontaneous trust that we have in a beloved brother?
We may need to adjust our understanding of… who God is and, as we do, we may become truly inspired!
Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/27e-dimanche-de-lannee-b-2024/