Keep the Word

Author: Chrisma C. Bangaoil
Blessed are those who hear the word of God
Reflection Date: October 12, 2024 Saturday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Galatians 3:22-29; Luke 11:27-28

Today's Gospel is not diminishing Mary but highlighting a deeper truth: attentiveness to God's Word is more important than biological ties to Jesus. Jesus' response underscores that our true relationship with Him is defined by how faithfully we keep His Word. Blessed are those who hear and observe God's Word.

Mary serves as the perfect example of this. Her obedience, unwavering trust, humility, faithfulness, and pure heart, aligned with Jesus, demonstrate how to truly keep God's Word. She didn’t just hear it—she lived it. This is why she is truly blessed.

But what about us? Do we know God's Word? Unfortunately, many of us are more familiar with words that destroy rather than the Word that gives life. We spread anger and hatred instead of seeking the Word that heals.

Why do we struggle to keep God's Word? One major reason is that we don’t truly know it. We can’t live what we don’t understand. And why don’t we know it? Often, it's because we don’t take the time to read or listen to it. The best opportunity to hear God's Word is at Mass—do we make this a regular part of our lives?

Call to Action for Catholic Living: Today’s readings remind us that, through baptism, we are clothed with Christ. To honor this identity, we must live by God’s Word in all we do, especially when times are tough.