Spiritual Siblinghood

by John Paul Philips


This title itself sounds strange! I know! Not many of us use the term 'siblinghood' as often as we use brotherhood, sisterhood, fatherhood, and motherhood. In fact, I had to double check the dictionary if this was even an actual term before using it here. (Who would want to be made fun of on the internet, right?!.)

For those of us who grew up as an only child, the whole idea of having siblings was kind of a mystery. No fighting over the TV remote, no sharing bedrooms, no built-in best friends. While it had its advantages, there was definitely something missing - that special bond between brothers and sisters.

But here's the beautiful thing about our spiritual journey - suddenly, we gain this incredible extended family we never even knew we had! Through our shared faith and love for the Church, Mother Mary, and the Holy Trinity, we become spiritual siblings with the faithful all over the world.

It's the most amazing feeling, being part of this vast siblinghood that stretches across cultures and borders. These people get you on a deep level, because you're all striving for the same thing - a closer relationship with God - the goal of sainthood. They've got your back through thick and thin, celebrating your victories and comforting you during hard times.

That's what real siblinghood is all about, right? That unconditional love, that unbreakable bond, that feeling that you're never alone in this crazy world because your siblings have your back no matter what.

So even though "spiritual siblinghood" might be an unfamiliar phrase, it perfectly captures the beautiful connectedness we share as faithful brothers and sisters. No matter if you grew up with ten siblings or zero, through God's amazing grace, you've got a whole spiritual family rooting for you every step of the way.

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