FAMILY TIES

Memorial of St. Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Mk 3:31-35

Family ties are very important in all cultures. Even in animals, family ties are observed to be significant.

There are normally two ways by which family ties are established. The fist way is by blood. Consanguinity means being related by blood. The second is by legal action, as in the case of marriage or adoption. Affinity is the usual term used to mean this second way of being related.

We also speak about an “extended family”. To this intimate circle belong those who are not related to us by blood or some legal action but by deep friendship. As we go through life, there are persons with whom we have shared many profound moments and memorable experiences. These persons eventually become “family” to us.

Jesus presents to us a fourth way. He anchors our relationship on a more solid and lasting bond. We are related to Him when we do the will of God. Jesus is the Son of God and anyone related to Him is related to God in a very intimate way. We believe that the sacrament of baptism makes us children of God. Moreover, those who become children of God, in and through Jesus His Son, are therefore brothers and sisters to one another.

To do the will of God is to be holy. Let us do God’s will; let us be holy. Like St. Francis de Sales, who followed God’s will, let us be saints together. We belong to a family bigger and better than blood, law, and friendship can establish. We are called to be saints.