We hear more about justification and faith in today’s first reading from Galatians 3. “For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus.” Good news, no?
We have a very short Gospel passage today, only two short verses from Luke 11. A woman cries out to Jesus, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” Jesus replies, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” Hmm…looks like this might be a case of Jesus discounting his mom. But of course, Jesus would never do that. (Remember that whole commandment thing.)
Jesus continually tried to open people’s eyes to God’s will. He emphasized again and again the importance of hearing God’s word and putting it into practice. There would only ever be one woman who bore Jesus and nursed Him at the breast. Jesus was not discounting that Mary was, indeed, blessed. But He wanted people to know that that was not the only way to be blessed. Being blessed is something that is available to all the faithful!
Father, help us to hear your word and observe it. For when we do, we are truly blessed. Amen.
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