Saturday of the Twenty-Seventh Week of Ordinary Time

Lectio
   Luke 11:27–28

Meditatio

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

   It is telling that Jesus redirects the compliments of the woman in the crowd who cries out, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” These are very particular blessings of the Mother of God, while also being an indirect compliment to Jesus himself. But the blessing is exclusive, and may give us the impression that we cannot share in the blessedness of Mary and Jesus. That is not the Good News Jesus came to bring. As the Way that leads us to the Father, Jesus desires to bless all God’s people, leading everyone who will follow him into this state of “blessedness.” Ultimately, Jesus did not come for the privilege of a few, but for the salvation of many.

   Keeping this reality in mind, we can see that Jesus’ exchange with the woman in the crowd reveals the deepest source of Mary’s blessedness. At the Annunciation, Mary heard the word of the Lord and responded immediately, with complete surrender. Her whole life is one of faith in action. Each of us shares with Mary this opportunity to become blessed through our own response of faith.

   With Mary as model and guide, Jesus invites us to hear the word of God and observe it. We are invited to the obedience of the sons and daughters of God. The word “obedience” comes from the Latin root, oboedire, which means “to listen.” We cannot obey if, through silent contemplation of Christ’s words and actions, we have not first taken the time to hear and understand what is being asked. But even this is not enough. We must also allow that word to confront our lives, with a willingness to make concrete changes based on the invitations we receive. This kind of change takes real courage and perseverance—it requires a ready and willing heart.

Oratio

   Mary, our Mother, in your earthly life, you were a woman of profound listening. You pondered in your heart all the words and actions of your Son and allowed their mystery to permeate your being. Through your obedience to his word, you became an instrument of divine grace for the world. Teach me, your child, how to listen to your Son and respond to his word in my life. Obtain for me the grace of an obedient heart that receives the word of God with a deep readiness to go wherever it will lead, and a true willingness to make any changes it may require.

Contemplatio

   Let it be done to me according to your Word.

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ORDINARY GRACE Weeks 18–34: Daily Gospel Reflections (By the Daughters of St. Paul)