Who is my mother?

We have just listened to a gorgeous passage from the Gospel of Luke. At first, it may seem that Jesus does not respect his mother, Mary. He says to those who tell him that his mother and relatives are waiting for him outside: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” However, this appearance is deceptive. Jesus’ mother Mary was the first to whom his words about hearing the word of God and putting it into practice apply. St. Luke writes about her: “She kept all these words and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19. Mary also perfectly fulfilled the will of God. She accepts the word of God and thus also the will of God, saying, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38).

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us what we must do to have a close relationship with him. It is about “listening to the word of God”. However, to hear it, we must draw close to Jesus, as his relatives did when they went to him. However, a large crowd was there, so they sent a messenger with a message. Perhaps it would be appropriate to ask ourselves: If we want to get closer to the word of God, are we willing to fight and overcome the obstacles we find along the way? Saint Thomas Aquinas reminds us that “we must constantly meditate on the word of God (…); this meditation is a great help in our fight against sin.”

Finally, it is not enough to just listen to the word; we must also put it into practice, that is, abide in it. We must put into practice what the word tells us! And not only when it is easy and simple and does not cost us anything, but also when it means giving up our comfort, our own prestige, or material things or it requires making some sacrifice. Even then, obedience to the word of God is required. Let us pray to the Virgin Mary that, following her example and through her intercession, we too may love to listen to the word of God, meditate on it and put it into practice. Do

I dedicate a few minutes every day to reading, listening to, or reflecting on Holy Scripture. ▪ Which challenges or words of Holy Scripture are currently difficult for me if I want to put them into practice? Through prayer, I can ask for the necessary grace, that is, help from above. ▪ Parents and relatives are usually the closest and most important people in our lives. Something like this experience arises in our relationship with Jesus when we listen to his word and put it into practice. At least on Jesus’ side, we are the most important and closest to him. But what would happen if He became like this for us?!