You are my beloved Son

Sandee, my spouse, mother recently passed. Her passing has brought the family together, with members flying into the Caribbean from Canada and London. As they gather to pray and make preparations for her funeral, bonds of relationship are renewed and reinforced. There are lots of hugging and wiping of tears.

Their loving relationships bring to mind this week’s Gospel Luke 3: 15-22 ‘And a voice came from heaven, You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased.’ Just as the Father’s voice affirmed Jesus' relationship with the Father, the unity and affection among Sandee’s family reminded me of the bonds of family relationship.

Christianity is a religion of relationship not of accomplishment. The Father is well pleased with the Son even before He starts His mission and ministry. In the same way, the love and acceptance within a family are not based on achievements but on the inherent being of each person. Sandee’s family coming together in love and grief mirrors the unconditional love of God, who delights in us simply because we are His children.

This Gospel passage reminds us that our worth is not measured by what we do but by who we are in God’s eyes—beloved, cherished, and held close. As we prepare to celebrate Sandee’s mother’s life, we are called to embrace this truth and carry it into our relationships, living out the love that reflects the Father’s divine affirmation.

Jesus in His ministry extended this concept of family relationship when He told those gathered Matthew 12: 46-50 ‘While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, ‘Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.’ Jesus replied, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ And pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’

This passage emphasizes the spiritual family relationship formed by those who follow God's will, broadening the understanding of familial bonds to include all who are united in faith and obedience to God.

This week’s Gospel narrative challenges us to recognize the importance of human relationships and our relationship with the Trinity in our spiritual development. It reminds us that our faith journey is not a solitary endeavour but one that thrives in community. By doing the will of God, we become part of a larger family, bound not by blood but by shared commitment to living out the Gospel.

This teaching invites us to deepen our connections with those around us, fostering relationships rooted in love, compassion, and a shared desire to fulfill God's purpose in our lives. Just as Jesus redefined family to include all who follow God's will, we are called to embrace a broader sense of belonging and responsibility to one another as members of God’s family.

Let us be more mindful of the sacred gift of relationships whenever we meet one another. Each encounter is an opportunity to reflect God’s love and deepen the bonds that unite us as His children. In a world that often rushes past, let us choose to pause, truly see, and connect with those around us—not as passing ships in the night, but as fellow travelers on the journey of faith. Whether through a kind word, a listening ear, or a simple act of care, let us transform every meeting into a meaningful encounter, bearing witness to the love and unity that God calls us to share.