Actions Not Words

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."

This reading from Luke seems to be an affront to Mary with Jesus being disrespectful of his mother.   This sentiment certainly is inconsistent with the rosary and the “Hail Mary:”

“Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.”

I guess we can forgive Jesus, or better yet, Luke, who attributes this remark to Jesus.   We can assume Luke was making the important point that we are judged by what we do, not say.   Actions speak louder than words.

As Luke insists, “Blessed are those who hear the word and observe it.”  Will we be blessed today?

Deacon David Pierce