By Amalraj A csc –
Readings: Gal 3:22-29; Lk 11:27-28
The readings of the day speak about blessedness. The praise of the woman from the group addressing Jesus gives praise to Mother Mary for having carried him in her womb and parenting him. This praise to Mother Mary has not been a first since she was praised earlier for her humility and acceptance of the plan of God. But the response that Jesus gives to the woman – ‘more blessed still are those who hear the word of God and keep it’ (Luke 11:28) – further qualifies and beatifies Mother Mary indirectly and also includes all those who strive to do the will of God truly among the blessed people.
In the present pandemic situation, the existence of everyone is challenging. To protect and save the people, the government takes all possible means. The main slogan widely used these days is ‘stay home and stay safe’, advocating for self-care. When a man with leprosy approached Jesus and requested him to heal him, Jesus touched the untouchable to heal. The challenge of COVID-19 is that it spreads mainly through contact, but if we ought to take care of people, we should not be hesitant to approach them.
During this COVID crisis, if we are ready to give up our good health and comfortable life for the cause of the poor who are severely affected in this situation, maybe we are doing the will of the heavenly Father. As Christians, especially religious, we need to proclaim the good news of Christ. But before proclaiming him, we need to fulfil the basic needs of the people. It is through these small gestures of love that we can be qualified to be more blessed.