Gospel: October 11, 2025
October 11, 2025 (Saturday)
27th Week in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 3 (Green/White)
Blessed Virgin Mary
St. John XXIII, pope
Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12
Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
1st Reading: Joel 4:12-21
Gospel: Luke 11:27-28
As Jesus was speaking, a woman spoke from the crowd and said to him, “Blessed is the one who gave you birth and nursed you!” Jesus replied, “Truly blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it as well.”
Reflection:
“To listen to God’s word in Holy Scripture.”
In what way is Mary blessed? In the Gospel the woman in the crowd gives praise to the one who gave birth to Christ and nursed, him. And so, Mary is blessed for having bore the Son of God, our Saviour. She is blessed for being Mother of God, Mother of the Word Incarnate. However, that motherhood is prepared by God and freely accepted by Mary. And so, her “yes” to God in consenting to God’s will that she be the mother of our Saviour is prepared by God’s grace and by Mary’s constant listening to God’s word and reflection on it. “Truly blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” Jesus, in his reply to the woman in the crowd expands the blessing. Mary is blessed for listening to God’s word and by accepting that it would shape her life. Jesus is saying that all who do the same are blessed. Thus, we are encouraged to follow Mary’s example, to listen to God’s word in Holy Scripture, to ponder his words in prayer, to meditate on God’s action in our daily lives, and to consent to his will. Thus, we shall live blessed lives.
