The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Marlone Ramirez SVD – Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City
Saturday 27th Week in Ordinary Time
A priest once addressed his congregation on a Sunday morning. Holding up a large sheet of white paper, he placed a small black dot in its center and asked the people what they saw. One person quickly replied, “A black dot.” Others agreed. Then the priest asked, “Is that all you see?” The congregation fell silent. Finally, he said, “I am surprised that none of you mentioned the most obvious thing of all: the large white sheet of paper.”
The lesson is clear. In daily life, we often focus on the few dark spots—our disappointments, failures, hurts, and struggles—while overlooking the countless blessings that surround us. A small adversity can easily dominate our attention and ruin an entire day. Yet, like the white sheet of paper, God’s blessings are far greater than the difficulties that occupy our minds.
Today’s Gospel invites us to look beyond the “black dots” of life and to recognize the greater reality of God’s goodness. When a woman in the crowd praised the mother of Jesus, saying, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed!” Jesus replied:
“Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it” (Luke 11:28).
Jesus does not deny the blessedness of Mary. On the contrary, Mary’s unique greatness lies precisely in the fact that she heard God’s Word, welcomed it, and lived it faithfully. As St. Luke tells us, she responded to God’s call with complete trust: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
Therefore, true blessedness is found not merely in favorable circumstances but in living in communion with God. Christians are blessed because they know the Lord personally, hear His voice, and seek to follow His will. As the psalmist declares:
“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord” (Psalm 119:1).
St. Augustine expressed this truth beautifully when he wrote:
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”
An early Christian writer once remarked that “a Christian’s only relatives are the saints.” Through faith and baptism, we enter a new family, the household of God. Jesus Himself teaches that true kinship is not merely a matter of flesh and blood but of obedience to the Father’s will:
“Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:50).
Our adoption as sons and daughters of God transforms all our relationships and establishes a new loyalty—to God and His Kingdom. As St. Paul reminds us:
“You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God”(Ephesians 2:19).
In the midst of life’s trials, therefore, let us not become fixated on the black dots. Let us remember the vast white space of God’s blessings, His love, His mercy, His Word, and His presence in our lives.
The secret of happiness is not the absence of difficulties but the presence of God.
May we constantly deepen our relationship with Him through prayer, Sacred Scripture, and the sacraments. May we hunger for His Word and find our joy in doing His will.
Prayer
Lord, You know that my heart remains restless until it rests in You. Help me to see Your blessings even amid life’s difficulties. Increase my hunger for Your Word and my desire for the sacraments. Open my eyes to recognize Your constant presence and teach me to find my joy in hearing and obeying Your voice. May I always seek to please You in all things. Amen.
