ARE WE RELATED?

Mt 12:46-50

There are three ways by which we may be related to somebody.

First, we may be related to somebody through consanguinity. By consanguinity we mean that we share the same bloodline with the person we are trying to confirm our relationship with. This is the most common way of tracing relationships.

Second, we may be a relative to someone by affinity. By affinity means being related to someone by virtue of marital union. Thus, while spouses are not related by blood, they begin to be relatives because of marriage contracted between them. From this contracted relationship branch out “relatives-in-law”. This is the most complex way of tracing relationships.

Third, we may be related to somebody through sanctity. This is the “Jesus way” of establishing relationship. Relationship of this kind is what the Gospel today explains. Our common desire and effort to do the will of God puts us in relationship with one another. This is the highest form of relationship because it also establishes our relationship with Jesus, the Son of God. This is also the only relationship that continues even in heaven.

We are not related to Jesus by blood neither by law. But we can be a relative to Jesus by holiness of life. Those who do the will of His Father are brothers, sisters and mothers to Jesus. It is therefore the fulfillment of God’s will in our life that unites us to Jesus in a way that blood and law cannot achieve.

Relation through sanctity is a privilege because it is always a special gift to be related to Jesus. It is also our mission because it challenges us to treat as brothers and sisters all who are united to Jesus.

Jesus is our communion, our “common-union”. Being related to Him, we are related to one another.

Now I know why there is a striking similarity between you and me. We must be related. Don’t you think so?