Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother

Today’s Gospel recounts an awkward encounter between Jesus and his family.  Chapter 3 of Mark’s gospel contains the healing on the Sabbath, removing an unclean spirit, calling and then sending out the apostles, and being accused of working under the power of Beelzebul. Members of his family are concerned about their reputation and decide to intervene. Mary is there as well, probably trying to mitigate the situation. Jesus’ response is to point out that family in the new kingdom goes well beyond blood.  Doing God’s will results in an invitation for each of us to become a member of Jesus’ family.