Tuesday, September 24, 2002
25th Week in Ordinary Time
1st Reading: Pro 21:1-6, 10-13
Gospel: Lk 8:19-21
The mother and relatives of Jesus came to him, but they could not get
to him because of the crowd. Someone told him, "Your mother and your
brothers are standing outside and wish to meet you." Then Jesus answered,
"My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and
do it."
Commentary
In contrast to both Mark and Matthew, Luke has this passage take place after the parable of the sower and its explanation. In this manner he highlights that true relationship with Jesus consists above all in doing the word. It is the word that counts more than anything else. Even Mary's dignity as Mother of Jesus may not be separated from this. Her doing the word is what makes her truly the Mother of the Word, the Lord Jesus. As the great St. Bernard holds, she conceived Jesus first in 7her heart before she conceived him in her womb. May she lead us to be zealous doers of the word.