By Newton Basumatari csc –
Readings: Joel 3 (4):12-21; Lk 11: 27-28
One of the greatest challenges that I face in my life is obedience. Often, I like giving advice to my friends, but when it comes to me obeying theirs, I find it difficult, because obedience demands humility, lowering one’s own status, and listening to others. This is what Jesus is asking me to do today. Being the Son of God, he obeyed his Father’s will and became one among us in order to free us from the slavery of sins.
From the book of Joel, we have heard God’s assurance to his people, and God asking them to have hope in him, to purify themselves and become holy. I need to follow the example of Mother Mary to transform myself and others. In today’s gospel, someone praised Mother Mary.
Jesus confirmed the statement, that Mother Mary is blessed in the eyes of God, but not because her womb bore Jesus but because she obeyed God’s will and was ready to face all the challenges and difficulties in her life.
Today, I need to reflect on my own life, whether I am ready to listen to the voice of God who speaks to me through various people and events in order to transform myself. Sometimes, I act as if I am obeying God’s voice, but I obeyed because of my own benefit. Therefore, I need to examine whether I am obeying him to help transform others’ lives, just like mother Mary. Through her obedience to his voice, Mother Mary not only transformed herself but the entire humanity through a simple “yes” from her. Today, let my prayer be, Lord help me to listen to your words and give me the courage to follow them.