January 27, 2026

Homily: Mark 3:31-35

In this passage, we read: "Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him. And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, 'Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You.'

But He answered them, saying, 'Who is My mother, or My brothers?' And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, 'Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.'"

At first glance, this might seem like a dismissal of Christ’s earthly family, but rather, Jesus is using this opportunity to teach a profound spiritual truth about the Kingdom of God.

In the context of Jesus' ministry, He prioritized the spiritual family formed by faith and obedience to God's will above traditional family ties. Jesus was not rejecting His natural family; He was expanding the idea of family to include all who follow God.

To understand this deeply, let us consider what it means to "do the will of God." This means seeking to live according to God’s commandments, leaning on His teachings, embodying love, compassion, and righteousness. When we strive to align our lives with God's will, we enter into a spiritual family that transcends earthly connections.

Applying this lesson to our lives today calls us to assess how we define family and community. We are encouraged to nurture relationships that are grounded in spiritual truths and to recognize the bond we share with fellow believers. This passage invites us to expand our circle of care and love, seeing others as brothers and sisters in faith.

This reading challenges us to prioritize our spiritual growth and obedience to God above everything else. The family of faith reminds us that we're never alone; we are part of a larger body that supports and uplifts one another in the journey towards living out God's purpose for each of us.

May we be inspired by this passage to deepen our commitment to God’s will, and let our lives reflect the love He has extended to all people. As we grow in faith and love, we draw nearer to God and to one another, forming a family united in spirit and truth.

Bishop James Long

Presiding Bishop

United States Old Catholic Church