Formative years

Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. Mark 3.31

It has been suggested that Salome was actually Jesus' sister. In the Greek in which the New Testament was written, adelphoi, which is the word for brothers, often covers both brothers and sisters. We know that Jesus had siblings and that they were sceptical about his ministry during his life on earth but that they not only joined the other disciples in believing in him following his resurrection but they also become leaders of the Church he founded.

Growing up in the same household can be a challenging and enlightening experience! Families get to know each other's idiosyncrasies as well as their vices and virtues. It took the drama of his suffering, death and resurrection to convince his siblings about Jesus but, in the light of this extraordinary series of events, everything they thought they understood about their elder brother took on a new dimension of significance.

Jesus is unique but reflecting on his family life might shed fresh light on our own domestic situation...