REFLECTIONS TODAY
The Greek term makarios (plural makarioi), meaning, “blessed,” is ascribed to a person who is favored. The term “blessed” begins the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5:3-11) and the Sermon on the Plain (Lk 6:20-23). Today’s Gospel also speaks of a group of blessed people (makarioi) akin to those being described in the Matthean and Lucan Beatitudes. Mary, the woman who carried Jesus in her womb and at whose breasts Jesus nursed, is the same woman who has been highly favored (kecharitōmenē in Lk 1:28) because she accepted God’s word (Lk 1:38). She is “blessed” (eulogēmenē in Lk 1:42) among women. She is “blessed” (makaria in Lk 1:45) because she believed in the fulfillment of God’s word in her life. Above all, Mary is blessed because she kept the word of God. This means that she made God’s word alive in her life. Do we want to be truly blessed? Do we listen to God’s word? How do we make God’s word alive in us?
First Reading • Gal 3:22-29
Brothers and sisters: Scripture confined all things under the power of sin, that through faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe. Before faith came, we were held in custody under law, confined for the faith that was to be revealed. Consequently, the law was our disciplinarian for Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a disciplinarian. For through faith, you are all children of God in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to the promise.
Gospel • 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.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.