Saturday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Luke 11: 27 -28
Faith comes by listening

The concept of “beatitude” often brings to mind the eight blessings, as outlined in the sermon on the mount by Matthew. These blessings are for the poor, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted and insulted for the Kingdom. However, today’s Gospel introduces another group who are blessed: those who listen to the Word of God and follow it.

The blessedness of the Blessed Mother is first recognized in the Gospel even before Jesus is born. When the annunciation takes place, we hear comparable words from the angel, who says, “Blessed are you among women.” Moreover, as we pray the “Hail Mary,” we continue to acknowledge her blessedness.

Jesus is clarifying: The true blessedness of his Mother – is her faithfulness to the Word of God. She listened and observed it. Jesus invited his disciples to be attentive to the Word, to take it to heart, discover its beauty and truth, and live it. Today, he invites us to enter into that blessedness and relationship with Jesus by listening to him and living by his Word.

In Matthew 12: 50, we would listen to Jesus saying, “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother. The message is clear: “Listen to him”, and Mary reminds us during the wedding at Cana: “Do what he tells you.” “Listen to him and do what he tells you.”

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2024