And looking around at those seated in the circle he said,“Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” Mark 3:31-35

We are all brothers and sisters in Christ as we have heard in various teachings, and our connection to each other is linked through our creation in God’s image. We have the Church as our “home” for our family. We gather together to become one with each other, united on a spiritual front that guides us through our lives. The beauty of our spiritual family is that our connections are not contained only within the Church. We have the ability to reach out to others regardless of what faith they may be. God made each of us in His image and so we each hold a part of Him within ourselves. God is not a memory that we carry day to day. He lives within each and every one of us.

Today’s Gospel made me reflect on a meal I recently shared at a homeless shelter. It was busy that evening, but I found a seat next to a small boy and his father. The boy immediately smiled and asked me my name, followed by a stream of questions not uncommon for a child: do you like cats? Have you played in the snow? and What’s your favorite color? I kept a straight face but was laughing on the inside. This little boy was so eager to talk with me and learn about me, even though I was a complete stranger. I couldn’t help but think of the innocent way he questioned me. I thought to myself…how often do I walk by someone with my head down, or look away to avoid conversation just to save myself from confronting a stranger? Would I act the same way towards my family?

I have learned a lot from visiting the shelter. I have met some incredible people who have told me amazing life stories. It has been fun watching my friends grow and hearing of the milestones that they pass. Hearing such good news gives me a sense of pride. However, it is important to remember that we are all brothers and sisters through good as well as the bad. We are all connected to one another, and yet often times our connections are lost behind the lies of prejudice, discrimination, and indifference. We are ALL God’s children. Jesus looked beyond the facial presentation but rather looked within each person. That little boy had an impact on me that he may never know. It is long overdue, but I am going to push aside all walls and embrace my neighbor-my brother, sister, and mother.