god's kin
"My mother and My brothers are those who hear the word of God and act upon it." —Luke 8:21
Luke 8:21 is one of the most amazing promises ever made. We can actually become mothers, brothers, and sisters of Jesus, that is, of God, by hearing God's Word and acting on it (see Mt 12:50). However, few people, even Christians, receive this promise.
How many people physically hear the Word of God more than once a week? Of those who do, how many welcome God's Word into their hearts? (see Jas 1:21) How many hearers of God's Word are also doers of His Word? (Jas 1:22) Although anyone can at any time be a mother, brother, and sister to Jesus, few are willing to meet the conditions necessary to be in Jesus' immediate family. Don't we think Jesus' promise is true? For centuries, Christians who have taken Jesus up on His promise have not been disappointed, but have known a special kinship with Him. Don't we want to be close to Jesus? Aren't we in love with Him? Don't we believe He literally died for us in love?
Every day, first thing in the morning, read, hear, pray, and do God's Word. You will experience kinship and intimacy with Jesus as He promised.
Prayer: Jesus, may my relationship with You be closer than any other relationship in my life.
Promise: "To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." —Prv 21:3
Praise: God gave St. Pio the gift of reading hearts, particularly when hearing Confessions.
Reference: (You may wish to order our tapes to help you pray: Daily Prayers on audio AV 62-3 or video V-62, Married Couples Praying Together, AV 116-1 or V-116, Family Prayer on audio AV 59-1 or video V-59, Praying the Our Father, audio AV 67-3 or video V-67, Liturgy of the Hours, on audio AV 89-3 or video V-89.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 19, 2014
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