Commentary of the Gospell

septiembre 20, 2022

Mothering the Word

Jesus’ words in today’s gospel – would they have offended Mary who was waiting outside to meet him? Hardly! Those words of Jesus were great compliment to her, actually. For, among human beings, who has listened to the word of God and surrendered to it better than Mary? Who else has so treasured the word of God in heart that it became flesh, other than Mary? The words of Jesus were an affirmation of Mary as truly his mother in flesh and spirit, as well as an invitation for us to imitate her in listening to the word and doing it. It is such listening and doing that makes us members of his family, across space and time – as is evidenced in the martyrdom of Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and companions whose memory we honor today: So far away from the historical Jesus’ space and time, they became members of his family.

Paulson Veliyannoor, CMF - Claretian Publications Philippines