LISTEN & OBEY

Being a member of the one big family of God is a great honor and privilege that we sometimes are not aware of. When we were baptized we all became God's children and that is one truth that we should all consciously live up to.  Let us no longer be deceived, indifferent, unaffected or despondent or whatever word we can think of that lessens its impact and efficacy or make us totally oblivious of this truth. We are children of God and heirs of His kingdom. Amen. Hallelujah!

Galatians 3:22-29

... that through faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe. ...26 For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus … There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendant, heirs according to the promise.

We don't expect a mango fruit if we planted a banana tree. It is pretty much the same with our lives. If we strive to live up to the expectations of a child of the Lord by giving Him honor and praise then we will surely be not disappointed with the outcome. For God inhabits the praises of His people. We can't help it at times when we have a tendency to forget or become out of focus. We are surrounded in this world we are in, by elements most especially the physical ones that make us more inclined to pursue worldly things. We become sidetracked or worse completely off track of the path where God is leading us. Let us live every single day of our life conscious of the wonderful truth that we are God's people and He has made a covenant with us. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

R: The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

2 Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds. 3 Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD! ...Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought, his portents, and the judgments he has uttered. (R) 6 You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! 7 He, the LORD, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail.

The study of the scriptures is one of the best ways to be really blessed. God consistently reminds and shows us that if there's one thing we should prioritize that is to be mindful of the things that will make us truly blessed. Today's gospel shows us that, we like Mary, who is Mother of God, full of grace, blessed among women, and bore Jesus in her womb can also be blessed if we listen and observe the word of God. Mary's privilege and honor as the Mother of God is no doubt a singular grace given to her alone. She has been greatly blessed by God for being chosen to carry Jesus in her womb and nurse her. It has been written and foretold from generations past. There is no question about this as it is written in Luke 1:48, "For he has looked upon his lowly servant; from this day all generation will call me blessed."  Though, Jesus in today's gospel tells us that we are not far from attaining it. Predestination is one thing but to hear the word of God and observe it is another thing. We have all been given this option of being blessed as Mary is. All we have to do is to hear the word of God and observe it. Amen. Hallelujah!

Luke 11:27-28

27 While he 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.” 28 He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”