Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Micah 7:14-15.18-20; Matthew 12:46-50)

Both readings today provide images for the People of God.  The prophet Micah calls the nation of Judah “the flock of (the Lord’s) inheritance.”  The term implies dependency since sheep survive only with the care of their shepherd.  Unlike sheep, however, the people have rebelled against their Lord.  They are doomed unless God shows them mercy which he does.

There is no hint of rebellion in the gospel image.  Jesus calls his disciples “brother, sister, and mother...”  Indeed, they have become his family because they obey the will of God his “Father.”  They have accepted his yoke which they can readily bear with his accompaniment.

 We too have been called into Jesus’ family.  Perhaps we rebel at times by not keeping his commandments.  For our rebelliousness we daily ask his forgiveness.  The outcome is immeasurably satisfying.  We are not only pardoned but also receive Jesus’ eternal brotherly presence.