“Today’s readings give us two beautiful scenes that may seem different, but actually carry one message for us.
In the first reading, King David leads the people in bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about a new kind of family — those who do the will of God.
Both readings speak about a people moving closer to God together.
1. A people joyfully moving toward God
David did not bring the Ark to Jerusalem quietly. Scripture says he danced before the Lord with all his might.
Imagine that scene: the king, not worried about dignity, not concerned about appearance, simply overwhelmed with joy because God is coming closer to His people. For David, the presence of God was worth celebrating.
Sometimes we forget what a great gift it is that God is near us:
- in the Eucharist,
- in the Word,
- in the Church,
- in our daily lives.
We come to Mass, we pray, but sometimes without the joy that David had.
Today, we are reminded: When God is at the center, our faith becomes joyful, not burdensome.
2. Sharing the blessings we receive from God
After placing the Ark in its tent, David did something beautiful. He distributed food to everyone — bread, meat, and raisins. He did not keep the blessing for himself.
This is a reminder for us. When God blesses us — with time, talents, resources, faith — these are not meant to be kept. They are meant to be shared.
A person who truly experiences God becomes generous:
- generous in forgiveness,
- generous in kindness,
- generous in helping others,
- generous in love.
Faith is not only about receiving from God. It is also about sharing God’s goodness with others.
3. Becoming part of God’s family
In the Gospel, Jesus says something surprising: “Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”
Jesus is teaching us that being close to Him is not about blood relationship. It is about obedience to God’s will.
He is describing a new family — the family of those who choose to live according to God’s ways.
This means that the Church is not just a place we attend. It is a family we belong to. And what makes us part of this family is simple: Doing the will of God in our daily lives.
When we forgive, we are part of His family.
When we help the poor, we are part of His family.
When we choose honesty, patience, and love, we are part of His family.
Final Words
Today, the Word of God invites us to three things:
- To rediscover the joy of having God close to us
- To share the blessings we receive from Him
- To live as members of His family by doing His will
Like David, may we rejoice in God’s presence. Like Jesus teaches, may we live as true members of His family.
And as one people, one family, may we continue walking closer to the Lord each day.”