There was a song a couple of years ago (what? things that happen 50 years ago are only “a couple of”) by Sly and the Family Stone: “It’s a family affair.” The beginnings of the Jesus movement was a family affair. Jesus began his ministry by calling two sets of brothers to follow him. Peter by himself might not have had the courage to leave all and follow Jesus but when he was joined by his brother, Andrew, all became possible. On the other hand, family relationships were also strained in following Jesus. When Jesus called another set of brothers, James and John, immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him. Sometimes the faith demands we value things other than the family.
