Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 14, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Saturday of the 27th Week in ordinary time

Scripture Text: Luke 11:27-28

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."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today could easily be misunderstood out of context. Jesus’ response to the woman in the crowd shouting “Blessed is the womb that carried you…” is not a denial of the Blessed Mother’s role in His life and mission. It is rather an affirmation of her. When we consider Mary’s role in realizing the LORD’s divine design for our salvation, we see that Mary was one who clearly listened to the Word of the LORD, one who surrendered to the LORD’s will, one who participated in Christ’s mission.

Jesus’ main reason, probably, for responding as He did was to underscore the importance of prayerful discernment of the will of God through study and prayer and a life lived in accord with the LORD’s will. It is not through familial or ethnic privilege that we will be saved. Rather it is through seeking to know, to love and to serve our LORD always and everywhere.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I take for granted my salvation because of my identity as Christian? What of all my choices since my baptism? How have I lived my life since?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, your love for us led You to send your only begotten and beloved Son to dwell among us, taking on our human nature, saving us from among us. Send your Spirit to us as we strive to live as He calls us to live, in right-relationship with You and with our sisters and brothers. Grant that we may never take our discipleship for granted nor think that by a mere title we have earned a place with You for all eternity. May we seek to live as your faithful children as did our Blessed Mother, Mary. Help us to do as Jesus commanded us, to deny ourselves, to pick up our crosses, and to follow him. We ask this in the name of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.