Today’s short Gospel can be a bit confusing. Many Christians think that when Jesus says, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it,” He is disagreeing with the woman who blesses His mother. But it isn’t that at all. Jesus is highlighting Mary’s greatest strength. He prefers to call His mom blessed because she hears the word of God and is obedient. She hears the word of God, ponders it, and keeps all these things in her heart. She does His will perfectly. Jesus points to the thing we are all called to be: obedient to God’s will and God’s Word.
It is easy to call Mary blessed because of her role as Mother of Jesus. But she only becomes the Mother of God because of her fiat, because she hears the word of God and is obedient to it. Gabriel lays out God’s plan, but it’s up to Mary to observe it. Through the words, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word,” Jesus makes sure we understand that there is no blessed womb without the woman who obeys God’s will for her life.
Jesus’ words in the Gospel also remind us that we are all called to be saints. The call to obey the will of God and the idea of being blessed are not limited to the Mother of God. “Blessed” is a title we bestow on those who are on the path to sainthood. Why? Because they heard the word of God and observed it. Jesus wants all of us to recognize that we each have a purpose in God’s plan. We all have the opportunity to reach blessedness, if only we observe the Word of God.
The path to fulfilling that plan is listening to God, trusting that His plans are the best, and saying yes like Mary did, even when it’s hard. This is the blessed life. Her blessedness lies in her yes, her obedience, her constant surrender, her unfailing companionship and her faithfulness, not in simply carrying Jesus and feeding Him. We are all called to follow the example of Jesus and Mary, and when we do, we will be blessed.
El breve Evangelio de hoy puede ser un poco confuso. Muchos cristianos piensan que cuando Jesús dice: “Dichosos todavía más los que escuchan la palabra de Dios y la ponen en práctica,” no concuerda con la mujer que bendice a su madre. Pero no es así para nada. Jesús resalta la fortaleza mayor de María. Prefiere llamar bienaventurada a su madre porque escucha la palabra de Dios y es obediente. Ella escucha la palabra de Dios, la medita y guarda todo esto en su corazón. Hace su voluntad a la perfección. Jesús señala lo que todos estamos llamados a ser: obedientes a la voluntad y a la Palabra de Dios.
Es fácil llamar bienaventurada a María por su papel como Madre de Jesús. Pero solo se convierte en Madre de Dios por su fíat, porque escucha la palabra de Dios y la obedece. Gabriel expone el plan de Dios, pero le toca a María cumplirlo. Con las palabras: “He aquí la esclava del Señor; hágase en mí según tu palabra”, Jesús nos asegura que entendamos que no hay un vientre bendito sin la mujer que obedece la voluntad de Dios para su vida.
Las palabras de Jesús en el Evangelio también nos recuerdan que todos estamos llamados a ser santos. El llamado a obedecer la voluntad de Dios y la idea de ser bendecidos no se limitan a la Madre de Dios. “Bendito” es un título que otorgamos a quienes están en camino a la santidad. ¿Por qué? Porque escucharon la palabra de Dios y la observaron. Jesús quiere que todos reconozcamos que cada uno tiene un propósito en el plan de Dios. Todos tenemos la oportunidad de alcanzar la bienaventuranza, si tan solo observamos la Palabra de Dios.
El camino para cumplir ese plan es escuchar a Dios, confiar en que sus planes son los mejores y decir que sí como lo hizo María, incluso cuando sea difícil. Esta es la vida bendecida. Su bienaventuranza reside en su sí, su obediencia, su entrega constante, su compañía confiable y su fidelidad, no simplemente en cargar a Jesús y alimentarlo. Todos estamos llamados a seguir el ejemplo de Jesús y María, y cuando lo hagamos, seremos bendecidos.
Nicole Berlucchi is a faith and family blogger (www.nicoleberlucchi.com) and Catholic blog contributor. She has worked in a number of roles in the nonprofit world, but helping people realize their vision and make an impact, seems to be her sweet spot. Nicole owns Coley B. Creative, LLC, a marketing company providing support to small businesses. She is also the author Magnify Love: Unlocking the Heart of Jesus in Your Marriage and Your Life. A native of Philadelphia, she now resides in the Nashville area with her husband, Joe, and their four children. She’s a big fan of brilliant skies, salted caramel with chocolate, books and more books. She loves sharing her journey with Jesus so that others might: Come and see.
Feature Image Credit: Stock art, art.diocesan.com/stock-photo/i-am-blessed-when-contemporary–full-page-22694/
The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.
1-800-994-9817