Holyrood Church 715 West 179 Street, Upper West side Manhattan, USA, 212-923-3770

“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it”.

 
Reading: As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.” He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:27-28.
 
Good morning, Happy Wednesday, and many blessings my dear family.
 
Today’s Gospel (Luke 11:27-28) is the completion of yesterday’s Gospel reading.  Luke writes: “While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out: “Blest is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you”!  Jesus looked directly at the woman and said:” Rather, blest are they who hear the word of God and keep it”!
 
Luke does not forget this woman’s voice. She is the only one woman in the crowd, but she shouts her message out and is heard. Perhaps in one way, she is saying that “no matter how good or holy a man or a woman you are, the woman who nurtured you is the real hero”. Perhaps also, Jesus smiles as he replies “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it”.
 
Who among us all heard the word of God and obeyed it perfectly if not Our Lady, Jesus’s own mother, Mary? Her reply to the angel Gabriel “Let it be done unto me according to your word” actually allows the conception of Jesus, the Word of God. Can we also say those same words to allow God’s plan to come to fruition in us. Can we give our lives and wills over to the care of God today so that with His Word in us, He can bless others through our words and actions?
 
The woman in the crowd appreciates what Jesus has said, praising and blessing his mother. Jesus in reply, asks her to imagine instead those who listen and are obedient to the word of God. Do what they do, rather than applaud what they say.
 
Today is a good day for each of us to ask ourselves: Do I truly strive to “hear the word of God and keep it”?  Or do I simply sail through the day without even thinking about God or connecting with God?  Sad to say, I must confess when I may not even “think” about God.  Yet, every day we have to opportunity to realize how Jesus is present to us!  Today be alert to the “small” happenings and gifts that you receive!  They are a gift that comes from the Ones who love us more than anyone!
 
What do I make of Jesus' reaction here? He risks being blunt with the woman in the crowd and dismissive of his mother. What is he getting at? What does he really want to say? What does it say to me?
 
Blessings,
 
Luis+

Date news: 
Wednesday, October 12, 2022 - 08:45

Ministry at the time of Coronavirus (Covid 19): Prevent, cure and accompany

Now we have to shape what some have started calling; The Church at Home. Although I keep asking myself; What do those who do not have a home do? For this reason, at the same time, I am declaring today in our Holyrood Church a Lenten day of prayer, fasting and reading the Bible in the Time of the Coronavirus.

facebook youtube instagram mail zelle