Daily Gospel Reflection for October 12, 2019

Reflection by Lyn Francisco Today's Gospel: Luke 11:27-28 My first reaction after reading these two verses is, “This is a nice tribute to Mama Mary,” most especially since a random woman from a crowd cried out to Jesus, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed” (Lk 11:27). She recognized what a privilege it was for Mary to be the Mother of God, which we acknowledge every time we pray the Hail Mary: “Blessed are you among women.” Jesus then adds that anyone who hears the word of God and observes it is blessed. This makes me think of when Mary said her initial “yes” to God as the angel Gabriel announced to her that she will “conceive in [her] womb and bear a son” (Lk 1:31). She declared that she was the “handmaid of the Lord” and added, “May it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38). This is a wonderful example of “hearing the Word of God” and “observing it.” Mary could have said no. She could have told the angel, “I’m sorry, but I’ve never laid with a man, how could it be that I will bear a son?” But she didn't question the angel. She recognized that the angel bore a message directly from God, and chose to accept that message; and the rest, as they say, was history.

Ponder:

Are there times when you wonder what God has planned for you? Are you willing to say “yes”?

Pray:

Gracious God, just as Mary willingly opened her heart and mind to Your will and said “yes” to You, may we learn from her example to open our hearts and minds to say “yes” to You. Amen.

Copyright 2019 Lyn Francisco Lyn Francisco is an organic chemist by training and education. When she is not at the lab bench, she occupies an organ bench in churches around Durham, NC. She also serves as cantor at Immaculate Conception Church in Durham. Receive CatholicMom.com newsletters in your inbox, including the Daily Gospel Reflection each morning! * indicates required