True Blessedness

Today's Reflections

True Blessedness

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Lk 11:27-28

²⁷While [Jesus] was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” ²⁸He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

Reflection:

Blessed. In contrast to the slander of Jesus’ opponents in the previous passage (Lk 11:15-26), the words of the woman in the Gospel are words of praise. It is part of Middle Eastern culture that to praise the son is also to recognize the parents (see Prv 23:24-25). The achievements of the children are also those of their parents.

Thus, the woman’s words express her acceptance of Jesus and her appreciation of his mother. Jesus does not deny the praises spoken of his mother. But Jesus extends the scope of the praises. Mary is blessed not merely for being the biological mother but for being the mother of faith.

We, too, can be blessed if we do what Mary did: hear the word of God and observe it. She is the perfect disciple, and we have to learn from her. We have to imitate her complete faith in Jesus, her sacrificial love for him, her humility, and her dependence on God’s will.

We should not only be admirers of Jesus.

It is action that Jesus expects.

Let us translate the word of God

with the works of our hands.

We must hear the word of God and observe it,

like what Mary did.