Family of God

Jesus said, “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it wanders through waterless regions looking for a resting place, but it finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ When it comes, it finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and live there; and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So will it be also with this evil generation.” While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, “Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:43-50 

Great Creator, you made us in your image

and call us each by our own names

promising that we are yours always

and binding us together as one family.

Our inheritance is your great love

our work is sharing your endless love

we are blessed daily by your presence

and we see you in every place and time.

We often forget that love freely given

and rely on our wits and talents alone

greed and selfishness rise up and choke

like weeds the love that surrounds us.

Jesus make us one family again today

heal us from our pride and our hubris

humble us so we can see your face

in everyone we encounter on our way. Amen.