Bearing Jesus in hearts and lives
Introduction
The disciplinarian of whom Paul speaks was the slave in charge of the education of the young. That was the role of the Jewish law. But now that Christ has come that educator is no longer needed. Faith has come and has made us children of God, whether we are Jews or pagans, free people or slaves, male or female. Without any distinction, we belong to Christ.
In the Gospel, a woman admires Jesus, and with perhaps a hint of jealousy, she exclaims that indeed the mother of Jesus must be a fortunate woman to have such a son. Jesus’ answer goes deeper, to a deeper motherhood, for those who bear Jesus, the Word of God in their hearts and their lives: those therefore who bring forth Jesus in faith.
1 Reading Galatians 3:22-29
Brothers and sisters:
Scripture confined all things under the power of sin,
that through faith in Jesus Christ
the promise might be given to those who believe.
Before faith came, we were held in custody under law,
confined for the faith that was to be revealed.
Consequently, the law was our disciplinarian for Christ,
that we might be justified by faith.
But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a disciplinarian.
For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus.
For all of you who were baptized 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.
And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants,
heirs according to the promise.
Responsorial Psalm 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
R. (8a) The Lord remembers his covenant forever. or: Alleluia.
Sing to him, sing his praise,
proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
Glory in his holy name;
rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD! R.
Look to the LORD in his strength;
seek to serve him constantly.
Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought,
his portents, and the judgments he has uttered. R.
You descendants of Abraham, his servants,
sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!
He, the LORD, is our God;
throughout the earth his judgments prevail. R.
Alleluia Luke 11:28
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are those who hear the word of God
and observe it.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel Luke 11:27-28
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.”
Commentary
When religious leaders refused to acknowledge the goodness and worth of Jesus, a simple woman comes forth to recognize his nobility and admirable qualities by her words: “Blessed is the one who bore you and nursed you!” Her words are affectionate, sincere, and well-intentioned. Jesus receives her compliment well, but also reminds her and other people that equally blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it. Mary was indeed privileged to be the mother of Jesus. So was Joseph, to be his foster father. However, those roles were historical necessities, and hence, limited to two people. But there is no limit to the membership in God’s Kingdom. “In my father’s house, there are many rooms” (Jn 14:2), Jesus has assured us. These rooms await those who hear the word of God and keep it. Yes! They do not carry Jesus and his Good news in their wombs, but in their hearts.
Lord God, help me truly listen to your word, understand it, and keep it.
Blessing
The word of God is not just a word but an action. That is even the meaning of “word” in the Old Testament: both word and action. May the word of God become action in us, deeds of goodness and love and service. And may almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!