“Surely blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it as well.”
Reflect
Sometimes I am jealous of the people alive at the time of Jesus. Can you imagine being
able to hear his preaching and witness his miracles? I like to think that I’d have been one
of the faithful women who supported his ministry and followed him to the cross. But as
today’s Gospel shows, not even those alive at the time were immune from jealousy over
closeness to Jesus. Some of these people who listened to Jesus preach were a bit
jealous of Jesus’ family, especially Mary his mother.
Since we can’t travel back in time, Jesus’ response to the woman in the crowd should
give us comfort. Those of us who believe in Christ now, who hear God’s Word and keep
it, are as blessed as those who knew Jesus during his earthly life, even those closest to
him. Jesus is still present with us, in Word and sacrament, especially in the Eucharist. He
is present in our brothers and sisters, especially in the poor and vulnerable. Even more,
he has sent his Holy Spirit among us, to help us understand and heed God’s Word, to
live in faith, hope, and love, and to discern God’s presence with us.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023