Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.

Gal 3:22-29; Psalm: 104; Lk 11:27-28

In today’s Gospel, a woman in the crowd calls out to Jesus, saying, “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts at which you nursed!” Jesus responds by saying, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” This passage emphasizes the importance of not only acknowledging Jesus’ earthly mother but also recognizing the significance of following God’s word and teachings. Our Lady of Pillar serves as a symbol of this message, guiding us to prioritize spiritual nourishment and obedience to God.

Our Lady of the Pillar is a title given to the Virgin Mary, who is believed to have appeared to Saint James in Zaragoza, Spain. The story goes that as James was on a mission to spread Christianity, he became discouraged and prayed to Mary for strength. Mary, appearing to him on a pillar surrounded by angels, encouraged him to continue his work and promised to be a pillar of support for all those who believed in God. This imagery of Mary as a pillar of strength and support resonates with the message in today’s Gospel, reminding us to turn to God and His word for guidance and strength.

The message of today’s Gospel is a reminder that while we should honor and respect the Virgin Mary for her role as the mother of Jesus, true blessings come from following God’s word and living a life in accordance with His teachings. Mary herself, as exemplified by Our Lady of Pillar, serves as a model of obedience and faithfulness to God. By looking to Mary as an example, we are encouraged to seek spiritual nourishment through prayer, reading Scripture, and following God’s commandments.

Our Lady of the Pillar invites us to reflect on the importance of being active listeners of God’s word and putting it into practice. It is not enough to simply acknowledge the teachings of Jesus; we must strive to live them out in our everyday lives. Mary as our pillar of strength reminds us that through faith and trust in God, we can find the strength to navigate life’s challenges and stay true to our beliefs.

The passage in today’s Gospel challenges us to prioritize spiritual growth and obedience to God over earthly relationships and honors. Our Lady of the Pillar serves as a guide and source of inspiration, encouraging us to seek strength and support from God’s word and teachings. As we strive to follow in Mary’s footsteps and live out the teachings of Jesus, may we find true blessings and fulfillment in our faith journey.