Homily for Saturday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Gospel reading is the shortest in the Lectionary, with only two verses. In it, we witness a brief exchange between Jesus and a woman so moved by His teaching that she spontaneously called Jesus' mother blessed for being His mother. But Jesus extended the blessing to a broader group, saying, "Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it."

In this broader group, Jesus' mother played a prominent part. Mary, a shining example of devotion, heard the word of God and kept it more than anyone else. Her attitude was always, "Let it be done to me according to your word." Mary is blessed not only because of her motherhood but also because she devoted herself to hearing and doing God's word. Her unwavering commitment to God's word inspires us all, encouraging us to follow in her footsteps.