From today’s Scripture: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” —Lk 8:21

A parent occasionally asks a child, “Do you hear me?” The question is not whether the sound waves generated by the parent’s voice enter the child’s ears and are interpreted by the child’s brain as words. Was what was said done? That is the question. If mom asks Johnny to clean his room, and Johnny does as requested, then we know Johnny hears his mom.

Just so, the test of a faithful member of Jesus’ family is not whether Jesus’ teaching is heard, but whether his teaching is put into action. Hearing alone is insufficient. Action is needed.

Let us pray: Help me with your grace, O Lord, not only to hear what you say to me, but to act on it, that I may be a faithful member of your divine family. Amen.

Today’s author is Deacon Scott Watford, missionary pastoral coordinator at Glenmary’s Holy Family mission in Early County and St. Luke mission in Randolph County, Georgia.

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