Obedience in the Lord

"Whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother." -Matthew 12:50

Is it not always the way of God to remind us that he is close to us?  The Gospel message strikes at the heart of just how near God is to us.  Christ came to suffer and die among us so that we may be saved.  Christ today reminds us that people who do the will of the Father are not just his friends but they are family.  In the days of the early Jews, the nuclear family unit was one of the absolute sacred things in the everyday life.  So when Christ calls on us to do the will of the Father, he reminds us that we take our place as his adopted brothers and sisters.  Holiness calls us to follow.  Jesus will direct our paths and guide our hearts.  With the advent of the newest Archbishop of Philadelphia in Charles J. Chaput, we have a great model of integrity and faith but most of all, obedience.  His Excellency demonstrates for us this day obedience.  We trust that the Holy Father has directed in the will of the Father and that His Excellency has accepted in will of the Father. How blessed are we to have this Gospel passage today.  Practical example in front of us. 

"Lord, loving God.  Bless your people and give us the strength to follow you.  In a special way today, we direct our prayers and petitions to you for your servant, Charles J. Chaput, give him the wisdom, knowledge and courage to do your will.  Make us one in your love so that we, too, can do the will you have for us.  This we ask through Christ our Lord.  Amen."