Galatians 3:22-29
Psalm 104(105):2-7
Luke 11:27-28
TO BE A CHRISTIAN IS TO BE TRULY BLESSED
In the gospel narrative, while addressing the crowd, Jesus elicited a woman’s exclamation of admiration, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” Jesus promptly responded, “Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it.”
This exchange resonates with the Visitation, a significant encounter between the Blessed Virgin Mary and her cousin Elizabeth, wherein Elizabeth proclaimed, “Blessed are you among women…how come should I be visited by the mother of my Lord…Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled” (Luke 1:42-45).
Christ affirmed Mary’s fervent obedience to the will of God, exemplified by her initial response to the Archangel Gabriel, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Mary thus stands as an icon of true discipleship.
It is widely acknowledged among believers that knowing God represents the highest and most profound form of knowledge, with this spiritual knowledge serving as a wellspring of strength for Christians.
Consequently, the knowledge of God naturally engenders love for Him and obedience to His word. Upholding God’s word necessitates the avoidance of sin, as sin acts as a barrier between God and us, fracturing our relationship with our neighbors.
Adhering to Jesus’ commandment of love encompasses humility, steadfastness, charity, obedience, wholehearted commitment, selfless sacrifice, detachment, repentance, perseverance, faithfulness, and more.
The pivotal question emerges: can we genuinely surrender ourselves to Jesus and submit entirely to Him? Are we active followers of God’s word, or merely forgetful listeners? Do we uphold God’s word and act in accordance with His will?
Those who believe in Jesus will experience life, while those who do not are condemned. Embracing Him leads to eternal life, while rejecting Him means rejecting eternal life. Christ is the genuine light and the light of the world; those who shun His light will linger in darkness.
Consequently, as Christians, a choice must be made to align with the Lord, as the days of the Lord draw nearer, surpassing even the era of Joel. “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God shall stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8).
Today and every day, belief, acceptance, and obedience to the Word of God are paramount. May the blessings contained within the Word of God be bestowed upon your household in the name of Jesus.
May your commitment to following the path and ordinances of the Lord render you truly wise and distinctly exceptional among your peers.
May God bestow upon you His peace, mercy, protection, and success as you embark on your endeavors. May Our Mother, the Cause of Our Joy, continue to aid us in fulfilling God’s will. Amen.
Fr Joseph Osho
