Blessed Are Those Who Hear: Honoring Mary by Living the Word While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him. Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nest. He replied, rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it. This Homily centers on Luke 11:27-28, where a woman praises Jesus by honoring His mother, . . . . . . but Jesus redirects the blessing to all who hear and keep God’s word. The message clarifies that this isn’t a dismissal of Mary but an affirmation of her faith and obedience, making her blessed not only as Jesus’ mother but as a faithful disciple. The Homily connects this with the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, emphasizing that true honor to Mary lies in imitation—through conversion, repentance, and prayer. A personal story from a retreat in Kenya illustrates how living a life of faith and community can lead others to recognize God’s presence. The story echoes the idea that spiritual motherhood is not biological but rooted in living God’s word, as Mary did. Ultimately, to praise Mary is to glorify God, as she always points to Him. Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to: Blessed Are Those Who Hear: Honoring Mary by Living the Word ......................................................................................... The Lord’s Prayer: French Painter: James Tissot: 1886-1896