HEAR THE WORD OF GOD AND ACT ON IT
We hear Jesus speak of those who belong to him as those "who hear
the Word of God and act on it!"
In today's First
Reading we read how progress was made in the rebuilding of the temple and how
it was finally completed during the reign of King Darius. Then returned exiles
celebrated as a community with great joy!
In today's Gospel,
Jesus Christ declares that membership in His house consists in hearing the word
of God and acting on it. St. Luke's Gospel takes on a Marian flavor, has
presented Mary from the beginning as the handmaid of the Lord, who hears the
word of God and does it. Mary, the Mother of Jesus is the model disciple.
A reflection
question: What is the essence of being a Christian? It is certainly more than
doctrine, precepts, and commandments. It is first and foremost a relationship -
a relationship of trust, affection, commitment, faithfulness, kindness,
compassion, mercy, and many other qualities that you can ponder on. These are
qualities that bind us together in mutual love and unity. Our heavenly Father
offers us the greatest of relationships - union of heart, mind and spirit with
Him, the author and source of love. God is a Trinity of persons - Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit - a community of love. That is why Jesus challenged his
followers and relatives to recognize that God is the true source of all
relationships.
Jesus Christ is
God's love incarnate; made visible in human flesh, a Good Shepherd who lays
down His life for His sheep. In the Psalm we pray: I rejoiced because they said
to me, we will go up to the house of the Lord. We hear Jesus speak of those who
belong to him as those "who hear the Word of God and act on it!"