Fruits Of Wombs

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.” (Luke 11:27-28)

It’s a good thing today is not Mother’s Day.  I guess Jesus never prayed the rosary: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.” Of course, he didn’t because the rosary was developed long after his death.  According to the Dynamic Catholic website: 

The Hail Mary prayer came together slowly. It took more than a thousand years. The earliest version simply added Mary’s name to the message delivered by the angel Gabriel to Mary: “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee” (Luke 1:28). Around 1050 AD, the words Elizabeth used to greet Mary during the Visitation were added: “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb” (Luke 1:42). In 1261, Pope Urban IV added the name of Jesus to the end of Elizabeth’s words. St. Peter Canisius published the Hail Mary in his 1555 Catechism with almost the entire final petition: “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners.” Eleven years later, the Catechism of the Council of Trent (a work that Canisius was instrumental in creating) included, for the first time, the entire final petition, concluding with the words “now and at the hour of our death. Amen.” The version of the Hail Mary we pray today was given official approval in 1568.

Perhaps the rosary should be revised again.  It might read: “…Blessed are you among women; blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus; and blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it….” 

It is October 10, and we stressed and apprehensive need a blessing.  We can earn one by preparing ourselves for upcoming elections by watching and being influenced by USCCB’s “Videos for Faithful Citizenship: Catholics Participate in Public Life.” [https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/videos-for-faithful-citizenship]  There are two outstanding videos.

There is a lot to consider besides the fruits of wombs.  Fortunately, we are blessed to have Jesus as our teacher and USCCB as our guide.

Deacon David Pierce