First reading Galatians 3:22-29
There are no more distinctions: all are one in Christ Jesus
Scripture makes no exceptions when it says that sin is master everywhere. In this way the promise can only be given through faith in Jesus Christ and can only be given to those who have this faith.
Before faith came, we were allowed no freedom by the Law; we were being looked after till faith was revealed. The Law was to be our guardian until the Christ came and we could be justified by faith. Now that that time has come we are no longer under that guardian, and you are, all of you, sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. All baptised in Christ, you have all clothed yourselves in Christ, and there are no more distinctions between Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female, but all of you are one in Christ Jesus. Merely by belonging to Christ you are the posterity of Abraham, the heirs he was promised.
Responsorial Psalm 104(105):2-7
The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or
Alleluia!
O sing to the Lord, sing his praise;
tell all his wonderful works!
Be proud of his holy name,
let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice.
Consider the Lord and his strength;
constantly seek his face.
Remember the wonders he has done,
his miracles, the judgements he spoke.
O children of Abraham, his servant,
O sons of the Jacob he chose.
He, the Lord, is our God:
his judgements prevail in all the earth.
Gospel Luke 11:27-28
‘Happy the womb that bore you and the breasts you sucked!’
As Jesus was speaking, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said, ‘Happy the womb that bore you and the breasts you sucked!’ But he replied, ‘Still happier those who hear the word of God and keep it!’
__________________________________________________________________________________________
The true praise
It is not common to find a word of praise in the gospel addressed to Jesus’ mother. However, in these two verses, we see that while Jesus was preaching, the crowd listened and admired his wisdom. Suddenly, a woman raised her voice, blessing Jesus’s mother for being His mother. Jesus went on to explain the true source of Mary’s joy: her willingness to listen and follow God’s words. During Jesus’ childhood, He Himself learned from her how to pray, listen to God and obey Him. Mary’s greatness lies in her obedience to God, in her ‘Yes,’ not only at the Annunciation but throughout her entire life. Today, our Mother teaches us to listen to the Word, ponder it, and treasure it in our hearts, just as she did in her life in order to fulfil it. By doing so, we will also be blessed and happy, like her, with the joy of the Holy Spirit.
Reflective question:
Can Jesus call me happy because I sincerely listen to Him?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year B” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
