Those Who Hear the Word of God

Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gon, Priest, and Paul Chong Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs

By Melanie Rigney

The just man appraises the house of the wicked: there is one who brings gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:27-31)

Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands. (Psalm 119:35)

By Anonymous [Public domain], via
Wikimedia Commons

The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” (Luke 8:19-21)

Piety

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Study

You have to wonder what the mother of Jesus was thinking.

Jesus was sharing all kinds of parables. All Mary wanted to do was draw closer, along with other relatives, to her son. But rather than asking the large crowd to make way, he tells people that anyone who hears the word and acts on it is his family.

Maybe she wondered if this was the moment Simeon had foretold, the moment she would be pierced by a sword. Maybe she felt a little irritated; how could he say anyone else had an equivalent place in his life to she who had given her fiat and borne him and nursed him and raised him and loved him. Or maybe she had known instinctively that a moment like this would come after his public ministry began. Or maybe all or none of these thoughts raced through Mary’s mind that day. Maybe she just pondered… prayed… and trusted.

Action

Resolve to contemplate this scene next time you feel shunted aside by a friend or family member. Have a chat with Mary.