Who is Your Family: “Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”. Mark 3:35

In today’s Gospel, our story begins with the realization that the crowds around Jesus had become so big that the people could not even eat (presumably because it was too crowded). People were very interested in what he was saying, some thinking that his take on God and his ministry made him look crazy while others were drawn to his new kind of message.

We see his family try to come and make him stop, worried about what people were saying about him. But rather than taking a breather or taking a time out, Jesus instead challenges the notion and challenges the notion of family.

Back on the theme of discomfort: This is a shocking teaching from Jesus, and one that we must seek to understand well – the stakes are high. There is one sin, says our Lord, that will not be forgiven: equating the spirit of Satan and the Holy Spirit. Much has been written of the “eternal sin,” as it is often called, and we encourage you to read interpretations from across Christian history.

Setting it aside momentarily, though, there is another important, related side of this teaching, too: that every other misstep, every other malicious action, every other action that keeps us awake at night is forgivable by the God who made us. That is, our God promises mercy for any other action. Jesus Christ longs to gather us in, calling us his brothers, sisters, and mothers.

Do these strike you as hard words to hear from Jesus? Why or why not?

Prayer: Gracious and Loving God, thank you for the families you have given us and for the families we choose. Be with us as we explore what it means to be family that we might find you in new ways. Amen.

Vicar’s Corner: Today, Devon will share with us a musical arrangement of the Lord’s Prayer. This is part of completing his post graduate studies. If you wish to have the link, please let Natasha know. Thank you, Devon, for this gift you are sharing to St. Michael’s.

Next Sunday is Father’s Day. We would like to invite all the fathers out there to come and be a part of our Sunday worship services at 8am and 9:15am. Coffee and fellowship follow after the services.  

Prayer: Creator God, You call your Church to witness that in Christ we find healing for ourselves and for creation. Help us to witness to your love that we may be found working toward healing and reconciliation Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God now and forever. Amen. (National Indigenous Day of Prayer)