Physical relationships can be very fulfilling for human beings. For example, a married couple's physical relationship expressed in sexual intercourse can be an exceptional blessing. The physical relationship of a mother with the child she conceives, births, and nurtures is also one of the greatest blessings in life. Therefore, a woman cried out to Jesus: "Blest is the womb that bore You and the breasts that nursed You!" (Lk 11:27) However, Jesus responded: "Rather...blest are they who hear the word of God and keep it" (Lk 11:28). As wonderful as physical relationships can be, even as wondrous as was Mary's physical relationship with Jesus, it is more blest to hear God's word and keep it.

Living God's word is such a blessing that when Jeremiah found God's words, he devoured them (Jer 15:16). They became the joy and happiness of his heart (Jer 15:16). The psalmist delighted in obeying God's word (Ps 40:9). God's word was more precious to him "than thousands of gold and silver pieces" (Ps 119:72). When Ezra proclaimed God's word to the people, they rejoiced and celebrated for eight days (Neh 8:9-10, 17-18). Jesus spent the afternoon and evening of His resurrection day by opening the hearts and minds of two disciples and the apostles to the Scriptures (see Lk 24:27, 32, 45). There is something very blest about hearing and doing God's word. Get blest.

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 1, 2008

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