Saturday of week 27 in Ordinary Time
Galatians 3:22-29 ·
Psalm 104(105):2-7
Luke 11:27-28
Mary : the perfect model of discipleship
In today's Gospel, as Jesus was speaking to the crowd, a woman called out in admiration, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” This passage brings to mind the Visitation, the joyful encounter between the Blessed Virgin Mary and her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women… And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? … Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled” (Luke 1:42–45).
In today's Gospel, Christ affirms Mary’s wholehearted obedience to God’s will, expressed in her response to the Archangel Gabriel: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Mary is therefore an example of true discipleship.
Every believer understands that knowing God is the highest form of knowledge and a source of strength for Christians. Knowing God necessarily leads us to love Him and obey His word. Keeping God”s word calls us to avoid sin, which separates us from God and can harm our relationships with others.
Keeping Jesus’ commandment of love also calls for humility and steadfastness, charity and obedience, commitment and selfless sacrifice, detachment and repentance, perseverance and faithfulness, among other virtues. We may reflect on whether we are ready to offer ourselves to Jesus and surrender ourselves fully to Him. Are we doers of God’s word, or merely hearers who forget? Do we keep God's word and put it into practice according to His will?
Belief in Jesus leads to life, while rejecting Him means turning away from the gift of eternal life. Christ is the true light of the world; those who turn away from His light remain in darkness. As Christians, we are called to make a clear choice to follow the Lord. The day of the Lord is closer to us now than it was in the time of Joel. "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God shall stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8).
Today and every day, may we believe, accept, and obey the word of God. May its blessings rest upon your household, in Jesus' name. May your efforts to follow the way and ordinances of the Lord make you truly wise and a positive example among your peers.
May God grant you peace, mercy, protection, and success as you begin this day. May Our Mother, the Cause of Our Joy, continue to help us do God’s will. Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment