Tuesday, July 21, 2026
St. Lawrence of Brindisi
adopted by the best family ever
“Extending His hand toward His disciples, He said: ‘There are My mother and My brothers. Whoever does the will of My heavenly Father is brother and sister and mother to Me.’ ” —Matthew 12:49-50
Many people delight at the thought of marrying into a rich family. They might imagine: “Wow! Suddenly I’ll have cars, homes, money, vacations, possessions, status, and prosperity that were never possible before this marriage. I’ll do anything they ask, make any changes necessary, just to get into this family.”
A common theme for movies is to show an orphanage full of children dreaming of being adopted into a loving family. These children profess that they’ll do anything the family wants just to be taken home with the new family.
What Good News Jesus announces to us today! He is God (Jn 1:1). He has the ultimate family: the family of God (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2233). Moreover, His condition for our adoption is that we do the will of God the Father (Mt 12:50). What an offer! Jesus actually wants us to share in the intimate joy of His family. God’s desire for us is expressed thus: “He calls together all [people], scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of His family, the Church” (Catechism, 1). Jesus cherishes our company so much that He wants to become our Brother (Mk 3:33-35; Lk 8:21). Thank Jesus forever for His gracious love, and joyfully do the will of God the Father (Ps 40:9).
Prayer: Father, thank You for adopting me as Your child through my Baptism (Rm 6:3-4; 8:15) and including me in Your will.