Luke's Gospel reminded me of an expression from my childhood: “You’re brothers! Act like it!” My brother Pat and I heard that more than a few times from our Mom when we’d be in a battle of words or fists…and it always did the trick.
Growing up in Quincy, your family was a big part of your identity and a source of strength. Many conversations began with, “My Mom or Dad were just telling me… or My brother Pat’s coming with us too.” There was a definite understanding of who was part of our immediate…and extended family. At Mass each Sunday, I don’t remember the priest using the phrase “My brothers and sisters (in Christ)” in his homily very often.
Which is probably why when I first began preaching I didn’t use it either. I’d heard Christian preachers like Billy Graham say it with great conviction and compassion but somehow it just didn’t seem to fit the New England Irish Catholic way of speaking…that is until a few years ago the Holy Spirit gave me a wake-up call through today’s gospel of Luke.
Jesus clearly tells us in Luke’s gospel and other scripture that beyond our biological and adoptive families we are brothers and sisters in Christ. We have one Heavenly Father who sent His Son to redeem us…and through our baptism we’ve all become members of God’s family. So, whenever I read or speak the words, my brothers and sisters in Christ, I’m reminded of how we are united through our faith in God…making up one family in the Body of Christ.
Long-standing Traditions
On September 22, three members of the Holy Cross Family Ministries' team—Stephen, Andrew, and I—attended an Irish Gala in Albany, New York, to benefit the ongoing ministry of Father Peyton. Our host, John Leonard’s mother, began this event in 1968, and now John, his sister, Celia, and other family and friends carry on the tradition. All of them are so welcoming and it is a pleasure to be with them for an afternoon of Irish music, reunions, and stories about how Father Peyton touched their lives and how they continue to ask for his intercessory prayer for their needs.
In my remarks, I invited the people to write down the names of those they would like us to pray for here at the Father Peyton Center on index cards we provided. As Stephen and I made our way around the hall to collect the cards, I knew I was looking into the eyes of my brothers and sisters in Christ; some that I’d met before and others for the first time. Later on as I read their prayer requests it hit me that God deepens our family relationships when we share our prayers for those we love and even those we struggle to love. The words, my brothers and sisters in Christ are meant to cause us speak and act as those who not only have heard the Word of God but also act on it.
Love Your Brother
Believe me, I know, at times, this is no easy thing. Whether it’s in our immediate or extended family, our workplace or neighborhoods, but what makes it possible is the grace of God at work, united with our prayer to see one another as God see each of us…brothers and sisters in Christ.
So, let us pray for our families, our friends, and neighbors and grow more deeply in the reality that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ so that we can like it too!
- Father Pinto's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and Rosary) at the 30-minute mark on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
