True blessedness

WHILE 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.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

REFLECTION BLESSED. The Book of Proverbs declares: “A foolish son is vexation to his father, and bitter sorrow to her who bore him” (Prv 17:25). On the other hand, “The father of a just person will exult greatly; whoever begets a wise son will rejoice in him” (Prv 23:24).

A woman’s cry, unique in Luke’s Gospel, while a compliment to his mother (in reality to both Jesus’ parents), is obviously an indirect compliment to Jesus. She compliments a fellow woman who has borne and nurtured such a noble son and a great teacher.

Jesus’ response on who is truly blessed is not a correction of the woman’s praise of Mary; rather, it is brought along the lines of Elizabeth’s blessing of Mary: “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled” (Lk 1:45). The “fruit of her womb” — the Messiah — is the singular privilege of Mary, but Jesus teaches that the “word of God” can be a source of blessing for everyone, if it is believed and practiced in life. Moreover, the word of God unites people to Jesus in familial and spiritual relationship: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it” (Lk 8:21). Are you a source of pride and joy to your parents, or do you bring them grief?

‘SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2018,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: books@ stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls. ph.