Family, Unity and the Love of Christ

Today’s Gospel reading from Mark 3:31-35 is one of those passages that can catch us off guard if we’re not paying close attention. Jesus is in the middle of teaching a crowd when His mother and brothers show up, asking to see Him. And His response? Well, it’s not what you might expect. He looks at the people around Him and says, “Who are My mother and My brothers?” Then, with a gesture that must have left everyone in the room stunned, He declares, “Here are My mother and My brothers! Whoever does God’s will is My brother and sister and mother.”

At first, this might sound like Jesus is dismissing His family. But let’s not miss the deeper truth here. Jesus isn’t downplaying the importance of family, He’s expanding it. He’s reminding us that the bonds of faith and love go beyond bloodlines. In God’s family, we are all connected. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ, united by our shared commitment to doing His will.

This message hits home especially today, as we celebrate Chinese New Year Eve. For many of us, this is a time of reunion, a time to gather with loved ones, share a meal and honour the traditions that have been passed down through generations. It’s a beautiful celebration of family, unity and belonging. But Jesus invites us to take it a step further. He calls us to see every person as part of our spiritual family. He challenges us to love not just those who share our name or our history, but everyone who shares His love.

So, as we prepare to welcome the Lunar New Year, let’s ask ourselves: How can we live out this call to unity? How can we extend the warmth of family to those who might feel alone or forgotten? How can we, as a church community, reflect the inclusive love of Jesus, welcoming all into God’s family?

Let’s celebrate not only the ties that bind us to our earthly families but also the eternal bond we share as children of God. Let’s make our homes places of joy, our hearts full of gratitude and our lives a testament to the love of Christ, which unites us all.

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Chinese New Year filled with peace, joy and the unity of Christ’s love.

Prayer before Reunion Meal:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of family and for the joy of gathering together on this special evening. As we sit down for our reunion dinner, we ask Your blessing upon this meal and upon every person gathered around the table. May this time together be filled with laughter, love, and gratitude for the bonds that unite us.
Lord, we also pray for those who cannot be with their families tonight, for those who are far from home, for those who are lonely, and for those who are struggling. May they feel the warmth of Your love and the embrace of our spiritual family, the Church.
Help us, Lord, to live as Your children, united in faith and love. Teach us to see one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, and to extend Your love to all we meet. Bless this new year with Your peace, Your joy, and Your abundant grace.
We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God bless you, and Happy New Year!