GOSPEL

October 14, 2017 (Saturday) 27th Week in Ordinary Time Psalter: Week 2/(Green/Red/ White) St. Callistus I, pope & martyr/Memorial of Blessed Virgin Mary 1st Reading: Jl 4:12-21 Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12 Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

Gospel: Lk 11:27-28

As Jesus was speaking, a woman spoke from the crowd and said to him, “Blessed is the one who gave you birth and nursed you!” Jesus replied, “Truly blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it as well.”

Reflection:

When my mother was still alive, she told me many times that her friends, classmates and co-workers in the Church praised her because of me being a priest. The late archbish- op Legaspi many times spoke that blessed are those who have priests or nuns in the family. Indeed, it is true. When I was ordained a priest, many greeted my mother. During my silver sacerdotal anniversary, more praised her. On her death that blessedness was even more manifested when masses were celebrated in our residence everyday one after another by bishops and priests. Because of her granddaughter nun, religious sisters flock to our residence. During the funeral, hundreds of priests and bishops concelebrated with the archbishop. The entire city said, truly blessed is the family that has a priest and a nun.

Mary, the mother of Jesus is praised and considered blessed because of her son, Jesus. However, for Jesus, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” More than being a biological mother, Mary is blessed among women because she listened to the word of God, pondered it and acted on it.

It is said that blood is thicker than water. For Jesus, it is not that much. “He who does the will of my Father, is my mother, my brother, my sister” (Mk. 3:34-35) Blessedness can be attained by all.