Lk 11:27-28
As Jesus was speaking, a woman spoke from the crowd and said to him, “Blessed is the one who gave you birth and nursed you!” Jesus replied, “Surely blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it as well.”
REFLECTION
The Gospel is a very popular praise of Mary, given by an anonymous woman in the midst of the crowd. These kinds of spontaneous exclamations are frequent in the south of Spain. As an insult to the mother is a terrible offence, a praise of the mother provokes wonderful satisfaction and is a motive of joy.
Once I remember an old lady telling my mother that according to her, she was a suitable mother of a priest. Both my mother and I who were present, were very happy.
Are we grateful and proud of our mother? It is well to have a good attitude to foster our integration and generosity.
As usual, Jesus transforms the human praise and gives new depth. True happiness is in the accomplishment of the word of God.
Let us do an application.
As Christians, on the one hand our spiritual Mother in Christ is Mary who we recognize with gratitude. On the other hand, our Mother is also the Church: she begets us in Baptism, instructs us in Catechesis and Homilies, nourishes us in the Eucharist and supports us through the other Sacraments.
Let us be grateful and proud of our Mother, the Holy Catholic Church, and let us contribute to her spiritual maternity through our apostolate and mission.
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