A Reading of the Holy Gospel according to Mt 12:46-50 While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood outside, asking to speak to him. 48But he replied to the man who told him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brethren?" 49And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brethren! 50For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother. Reading: Mt 12:46-49 While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren * stood outside, asking to speak to him. g 48But he replied to the man who told him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brethren?" 49And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brethren! Commentary: My mother and my brothers: Christ's true family is his disciples, those who accept his teachings and put them into practice. When we are faithful to Christ's message, our relationship with him is likened to that of a brother, sister, and mother. The "brothers" of Christ were other male relatives or fellow tribesmen rather than blood brothers. The Hebrew and Aramaic languages often used the same word to refer to brothers, cousins, and other relations that share the same ancestry. (CCC 764, 2233) Reading: Mt 12:50 50For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother. Commentary: Whoever does the will of my father . . .: Christ explained why Mary (and by extension all of his true disciples) are special to him, thus illuminating the meaning of verse 49. Mary perfectly fulfilled the will of God. (CCC 2826) Works Cited Ignatius Press. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 4, 787. ---. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 4, 787–4, 788.