Saturday, 12 October 2024. Readings: Galatians 3:22-29, Ps. 105:2-7, Luke 11:27-28
“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28)
I often hear people say that “blood is thicker than water.” However, the water of baptism (which binds us together as God’s children) is thicker than blood. St. Paul says in today’s First Reading: “For all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free person; there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28).
- When a woman was carried away with admiration for Jesus, she exclaimed, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” Her statement was a fulfilment of Mary’s prophecy: “For behold, henceforth, all generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:48).
- Jesus used the occasion to teach that even though we are not related to Him by blood, we share in Mary’s blessedness: “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” (Luke 11:27). This statement resembles what Jesus said when he was told that his mother and brothers were waiting to see him: “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother.” (Matthew 12:50). In other words, when we do God’s will (obey His words), we become the mother and siblings of Jesus and we too share in Mary’s blessedness.
- Mary is blessed because she gave birth to Jesus but, more importantly, because she heard God’s word and obeyed it. She gave her fiat (I agree) to God when the Angel Gabriel announced to her that she would be God’s mother. “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38). This is the same attitude Jesus expects of us when he said “blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.”
- Was it easy for Mary? Did she have it all rosy saying “Yes” to God? The woman in today’s Gospel passage admired Mary but would she have willingly accepted to carry Mary’s cross? We often admire successful persons but we find it difficult to put in the work that guarantees such success. To share in Mary’s blessedness, we must embrace self-discipline; crucify the flesh and its desires. (Cf. Galatians 5:24).
- Do you think Mary was lucky to have given birth to God? Jesus tells us today: “Create your luck.” Obey God words no matter how difficult this may seem and you too would be carrying God in your “womb.” As a shining example of goodness if others are inspired to come out of their darkness, you have given birth to God for them; you have incarnated Jesus for the world just like Mary. It is a blessed to keep God’s words.
- In conclusion, St. Paul points out in today’s First Reading that we are justified by Faith and not by the Law having been freed from the curse of the Law. However, our faith demands that we hear God’s words and keep them. We keep God’s words because we love Him not because we hope to justify ourselves. We keep God’s words because we are His children not because we seek payment like workers (who hate their master but obey him just to earn their salary).
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us find happiness daily by practising your words. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saturday of week 27 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Galatians 3:22-29, Ps. 105:2-7, Luke 11:27-28).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu
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