Word to the Wise
Saturday, October 9, 2021 - Saturday in the 27th 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 to 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." [Luke]
OCTOBER 9 ST. LOUIS BERTRAND, OP [patron saint of novice masters]
In the Palestine of Jesus' day and for time immemorial in the MIddle East, the fundamental social units were family, clan and tribe. This is still true throughout the MIddle East, despite the international lines in the sand drawn at the beginning of the 20th century to create new "nations." One of the striking characteristics of Jesus' preaching was his consistent direction of attention away from his natural family in favor of his disciples! The example from the Gospel According to Luke in today's gospel scripture can be placed alongside others in Luke 8:19-21. Matthew 12:46-50 and Mark 3:31-35. Indeed, in Mark, Jesus' family thought his antagonizing of the religious authorities was a sign that he was out of his mind! It is made clear in the gospel accounts that Jesus was rejected by his family, his village and the religious authorities of his time! So, the very nice words of the lady in the crowd are somewhat ironic even if, in a more positive way, they could be applied to Mary, as we do in the "Hail Mary!"
Jesus' demand that the gospel and discipleship may require division from family, clan or tribe would be, and still is, difficult. [Luke 12:53] Indeed, many of us know of family divisions that occurred over religious allegiances. The Acts of the Apostles, however, does indicate that Jesus' mother and some of his "brothers" were part of the group of disciples that gathered in anticipation of the Holy Spirit. [Acts 1:12-14] A change of heart and mind (and faith!) within a family is always a possibility!
It can be a good but challenging experience to recall the influence of our families in our religious faith and upbringing. Did it unite or did it divide? Jesus warns us that discipleship may require that we "transcend" family bonds for the sake of the gospel. Are we prepared to do that? AMEN