LUKE 11:27–28
TRUE BLESSEDNESS
Text – Luke 11:27–28
27 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!”
28 He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”
Historical and Jewish Context
In Jewish culture, praising a mother through her son was a common and respectful form of admiration. By honoring Jesus in this way, the woman expresses deep reverence. Jesus, however, redirects the praise in order to highlight the true source of blessedness in God’s eyes. Rather than diminishing His Mother, His response echoes what faithful Jews believed: true honor comes from listening to God’s Word and living according to it. His teaching reflects wisdom traditions that value obedience to God’s commandments as the highest form of blessing.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Jesus’ words do not lessen the dignity of Mary; instead, they reveal why she is truly blessed: she heard the Word of God and kept it (Lk 1:38; Lk 2:19, 51). Mary embodies the very obedience Jesus praises. This passage teaches that discipleship is rooted in both hearing and doing God’s Word. Blessedness, therefore, is not based on physical connection to Jesus but on spiritual communion with Him. The Church uses this text to emphasize that holiness is accessible to all believers—every Christian is invited into this blessedness through faithful obedience.
Parallels in Scripture
Lk 1:38 – Mary’s “fiat,” perfect obedience to God’s Word.
Lk 8:21 – Jesus identifies His true family as those who hear and do God’s Word.
Jas 1:22 – Be doers of the Word, not hearers only.
Ps 119 – Blessedness comes from keeping God’s law.
Key Terms
Blessed – Favored by God through fidelity and obedience.
Hear the word of God – Attentive listening that welcomes divine revelation.
Observe it – Faith put into action through daily life.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
These verses appear in weekday liturgies and Marian contexts to clarify the nature of true discipleship. They highlight the unity between Marian devotion and Christian obedience: Mary is the model disciple because she perfectly embodies hearing and keeping the Word. The passage encourages believers to approach Scripture with open hearts and to live it joyfully.
Conclusion
Jesus teaches that true blessedness comes from hearing God’s Word and putting it into practice. Mary stands as the perfect example of this, and every disciple is invited to share in the same blessedness through faithful obedience.
Reflection
Do I welcome God’s Word with the same openness as Mary? How can I live the Gospel more faithfully today? Jesus invites me into a blessedness rooted not in status but in joyful obedience.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, give me a heart that listens to Your Word and the strength to live it each day. Help me imitate Mary’s faithful obedience and rejoice in the blessedness that comes from following You. Amen.