Word to the Wise
Saturday, October 10, 2009 - Saturday in the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
[Joel 4:12-21 and Luke 11:27-28]While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said ot him, "Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed." He replied, "Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it."
The words of the woman in the crowd are lovely and profound. We Catholics echo them when we pray the Hail Mary! But Jesus consistently deflects comments about his family toward toward discipleship. In a society where kinship meant survival, he changes relationships when it comes to following him. What is the new relationship? It is the one where a person hears and keeps the word of God. Such a disciple will be like Mary of Bethany who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his word, thereby earning the irritation of her sister, Martha! Blood kinship or just the fact of being from the same town or even recognition of him as "Lord" will not be enough. The word of God must be heard and lived! Often, we Catholics tend to "coast" on the strength of our rich ritual, devotional and sacramental heritage. We allow the ceremonial and ritual to do the work for us. This can divorce us from a truly profound understanding of discipleship. Hearing the word of God means attention to the scriptures that are part of these occasions and living out their challenges. Attendance alone at ceremony, no matter how well-intended, will not save us. The lady in the crowd has taken the first step of recognition but she will have to listen to what Jesus said when he replied! AMEN
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