Emelius Lyngkhoi csc –
Readings: Mic 7: 14-15,18-20; Mt 12: 46-50
Through today’s readings, God invites us to build strong relationships with him. In the first reading from Micah, we see the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep, symbolizing God’s guidance and care for his people. In the gospel, we see a picture of the intimacy and closeness that Jesus expects from his followers. Jesus points to his disciples, saying that those who do the will of his Father are his true family.
This teaches us that to build a strong relationship with God, we need to be in constant touch with him, much like a family that stays connected. As St. Augustine reminds us, “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” This restlessness is a call to deepen our relationship with God. The readings prompt us to ask ourselves: How close is our relationship with God? As Christians, do we truly do the will of God? Reflecting on these questions may reveal that many of us fall short in our relationship with God.
Today, many become lukewarm in their faith, prioritizing worldly needs over spiritual ones. This creates a growing gap in our relationship with God. However, God always desires for us to be part of his family. He loves us unconditionally, always ready to forgive our mistakes. What he asks of us is faithfulness and closeness, which we achieve by doing his will, following his commandments, and adhering to his teachings.