Today’s scripture: Luke 8:19-21 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Vivian Wyatt):
I think until just recently (historically speaking) people tended to grow where they were planted. Except perhaps for the corporate, executive, or military personnel who moved because of job requirements, people generally stayed near their families of origin, both physically and spiritually. They lived close enough to have arguments over whose parents’ house they’d go to for the holidays; they attended the church that they grew up in; and when they thought of “family” it was the family of origin that came to mind.
That’s changed. The internet has given us a wealth of information about the world (you can find the 10 best places to live for most any criteria) and air travel makes the world seem a lot smaller. Separations from families have become more prevalent. Jobs that strike their fancy in another part of the country, abusive or toxic home situations, or simply wanting to live their life according to their own choices are some reasons people have for moving away from their family of origin.
Yet, humans need family and community to thrive; so it is not surprising that when we move away from our family of origin, we quickly form families of choice. People who will accept us as we are; people who like the same things we like; people who will support us in the good and bad times. People we can spend the holidays (and ordinary days) with and feel loved.
I believe this is what Jesus was getting at when he said “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” I don’t believe he was rejecting his family of origin outright, but recognizing that the path he was on required people who were committed to the same things he was.
Thought for today: Have you surrounded yourself with people who are spiritually like-minded? People with whom you can nurture your thirst for God?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.