blessed discipleship
"Blest are they who hear the word of God and keep it." —Luke 11:28
Mary prophesied that all ages would call her blessed (Lk 1:48). This prophecy was fulfilled when a woman cried out to Jesus: "Blest is the womb that bore You and the breasts that nursed You!" (Lk 11:27) Jesus replied that Mary and we are blessed by being disciples of Jesus, that is, those "who hear the word of God and keep it" (Lk 11:28).
Being a disciple of Jesus means being blessed as Mary was and saying with her: "I am the slave of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word" (Lk 1:38, our transl). Being a disciple of Jesus means having the blessed privilege of denying our very selves and taking up our crosses daily (Lk 9:23). Being a disciple of Jesus means being a blessing to all nations (see Gn 12:2-3) by making disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19).
Jesus said to His disciples: "Blest are your eyes because they see and blest are your ears because they hear" (Mt 13:16). All ages to come will call Mary, and Jesus' other disciples, blessed. Blessed are you!
Prayer: Father, bless us disciples and these Thy gifts.
Promise: "All of you who have been baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Him." —Gal 3:27
Praise: Pope St. Callistus was born a slave, served a sentence as a convict, promoted forgiveness, and was martyred for his faith.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, April 24, 2000
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 27, 2000