Posted by The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Carlos Lariosa SVD – Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City
Saturday 27th Week in Ordinary Time
Research has found that children who have been breastfed by their mothers are healthier-looking, stronger, and have a higher rate of survival than those who were fed with processed milk.
This finding could rationalize the statement of a woman who called out to Jesus saying: “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” Perhaps it was meant to praise Jesus for the wonderful work he was doing. For me it was a statement of affirmation of Mother Mary for indeed we call her “Blessed” Virgin Mary. If there was anyone who truly listened to the Word of the God and observed it, , as Jesus referred to, it was the Blessed Virgin Mary.
What Jesus just said sounds like a denial to the statement of the woman quoted in the Gospel, but the actual meaning in Greek of the conjunction “rather” means “and” – meaning, “in addition.” Jesus would be the first to confirm of Mother Mary’s listening to the Word of God and observing it. Now he wants to pose a challenge to us to go a step deeper: Mary as our icon and good example for listening to and observing the Word of God.
Those who hear the Word of God and observe it are blessed. That is the promise of Jesus. Psychologists who have worked with people who have spent time in prayer and meditation on the Word of God say that they are more able to face their daily problems with serene attitude. They are less problematic to their communities, more generous with their talents and time, and more considerate to others. It takes more experiences of listening and observing the Word of God to understand what it means to be blessed in this context.
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