40 DAYS AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS
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.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” Luke 11:27-28
During Jesus’ public ministry, a woman in the crowd called out to Jesus, honoring His mother. Jesus corrected her in a way. But His correction was not one that diminished the blessedness of His mother. Rather, Jesus’ words elevated the blessedness of His mother to a new level.
Who more than our Blessed Mother would daily “hear the word of God and observe it” with perfection? No one was more deserving of this elevation to blessedness than our Blessed Mother.
This truth was especially lived as she stood at the foot of the Cross, offering her Son to the Father with full knowledge of His saving sacrifice and with complete consent of her will. She, more than any other follower of her Son, understood the prophecies of old and embraced them with complete submission.
How about you? As you gaze at the Cross of Jesus, are you able to see your own life united to His on the Cross? Are you able to embrace the burdens of sacrifice and self-giving which God is calling you to live? Are you able to observe every command of love from God, no matter how much He asks of you? Are you able to “hear the word of God and observe it?”
Reflect, today, upon the true blessedness of the Mother of God. She fully embraced the word of God and observed it to perfection. As a result, she was blessed beyond measure. God also wishes to bless you in abundance. The only requirement of these blessings is openness to the word of God and its full embrace. Understanding and embracing the mystery of the Cross in your life is truly the richest source of the blessings of Heaven. Understand and embrace the Cross and you will be blessed with our Blessed Mother.
Dearest Mother, you allowed the mysteries of the suffering and death of your Son to penetrate your mind and elicit great faith. As you understood, you also assented. I thank you for your perfect witness and pray that I may follow your example.
My Mother, draw me into the blessings that were bestowed upon you by your Son. Help me to find great value in freely embracing the Cross. May I always see the Cross as the source of the greatest joys in life.
My suffering Lord, I gaze upon You with Your own mother and pray that I may see You as she sees You. I pray that I may understand the depth of love that motivated Your complete self-gift. Pour forth Your abundant blessings upon me as I seek to more fully enter into this mystery of Your life and sufferings. I do believe, dear Lord. Please help my moments of unbelief.
Mother Mary, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.
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