Commentary on the Gospel of September 23, 2025

True Familiarity with Jesus

Once again, a foreign king favors the chosen people and generously funds the building of the Temple. We know that Jesus has become, for those who believe in Him, the true Temple of God, because in Him—in His humanity—we find access to the true God, His Father and our Father (cf. Jn 20:17). How do we enter this Temple?

There are forms of familiarity with Jesus that can be misleading. Belonging to a culture deeply marked by Christianity, or thinking of ourselves as “old Christians” by custom or tradition, is not enough. Even Jesus’ own blood relatives found themselves “outside,” on the fringe of the circle around Him. That circle forms a new family, the family of God’s children and brothers and sisters in the Son, Jesus Christ. It is defined by making His word the rule of life. To put the word into practice is to incarnate it, to give it birth. That is why, besides brothers, Jesus also calls them (and us) His mothers.

It may seem strange—even shocking—that Jesus’ true mother, Mary, is pictured “outside” that circle. In reality, we don’t know precisely how Jesus maintained His relationship with her during His public life. Likely, Mary remained in Nazareth with her close relatives, which is why she was with them. But what we do know—from Luke himself—is that Mary welcomed God’s word with total faith: “Let it be done to me according to your word.” That word became flesh in her womb, and through her that Word made flesh can be heard by all. Mary is the perfect example of what it means to hear, welcome, and live out God’s word.

By listening to and practicing God’s word, we become like Jesus, His brothers and sisters. And by incarnating that word, we also become like Mary, His mother.

Fraternal greetings,