blest
" 'Rather,' He replied, 'blest are they who hear the word of God and keep it.' " —Luke 11:28
Because you are hearing and living God's Word, you are more blest than Mary was in being the physical mother of God. However, this does not mean you are more blest than Mary. Mary is blest among women (Lk 1:28, 42) and called blest by all ages (Lk 1:48) not primarily because she was Jesus' mother, but because she "trusted that the Lord's words to her would be fulfilled" (Lk 1:45). This is the same way in which we are blest.
If we know and obey God's Word, we are blest. This means we are happy. "Happy are they who observe His decrees, who seek Him with all their heart" (Ps 119:2). Obeying God's Word also makes us secure. Our lives are like houses built on rock (Mt 7:24). Moreover, those who know God's Word are fully competent and equipped for every good work (2 Tm 3:17). Therefore, those who hear and keep God's Word are successful in everything. Whatever they do, prospers (Ps 1:2-3). The Lord commands us: "Keep this book of the law on your lips. Recite it by day and by night, that you may observe carefully all that is written in it; then you will successfully attain your goal" (Jos 1:8).
May the blessings of happiness, security, competency, and true success be yours through living God's Word.
Prayer: Father, may Your word be more precious to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces (Ps 119:72).
Promise: "The heavens and the earth quake, but the Lord is a Refuge to His people, a Stronghold to the men of Israel." —Jl 4:16
Praise: Committing to read the daily Mass readings, Martha has been blessed every day with "light" and "gladness" (Ps 97:11).
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape on Living the Sacramental Life on audio AV 56-3 or video V-56.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Bishop-Elect, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 26, 2011 (for 10-1-2011 through 11-29-2011) and May 26, 2011 (for 11-30-2011)
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