Saturday, October 11, 2025

True Blessedness

 


Gospel


27 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 nursed.” 28 He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” 



Historical Background

Luke’s Gospel was written around 80–90 AD, during a time when early Christians were navigating their identity apart from Judaism and under Roman rule. In Jewish culture, lineage and family honor were deeply valued. A woman publicly praising Jesus’ mother reflects this cultural norm—honoring the womb that bore such a remarkable man.

But Jesus redirects the praise. In a society where maternal lineage was revered, He shifts the focus from biological ties to spiritual obedience. This was radical: He was redefining what it meant to be truly blessed—not by association, but by action.


Theological Context

This moment in Luke 11 comes after Jesus teaches about prayer, spiritual warfare, and the power of God’s kingdom. The woman’s outburst is sincere admiration, but Jesus responds: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” — Luke 11:28

Theologically, this echoes themes of Spiritual kinship over biological connection, obedience as the mark of discipleship, and blessing as alignment with God’s will, not status or proximity

Jesus affirms that anyone—regardless of background—can be truly blessed by living in obedience to God’s Word.


Learning Lessons

True blessedness is active. Hearing God’s Word is not enough; obedience is the fruit. Spiritual intimacy surpasses physical proximity.

God’s favor is accessible. You don’t need prestige or lineage—just a heart that listens and responds. Praise must be redirected. Jesus models humility by deflecting praise to the Father’s will.



“The Greater Blessing”

A voice rose up from midst the crowd,
“Blessed be the womb!” she cried aloud.
Yet Jesus turned with gentle grace,
And spoke of hearts that seek His face.

Not flesh, not fame, nor bloodline’s thread,
But those who live by what He said.
The Word received, the Word obeyed—
In such a soul, true joy is laid.

O let me not just hear and nod,
But walk the path ordained by God.
For in the doing, love is shown—
And in obedience, I am known.




You are the Word made flesh, the voice of truth in a world of noise. Teach me not only to hear Your Word, but to live it— To let it shape my thoughts, my choices, my heart.

Forgive me when I settle for admiration instead of transformation. Help me to seek the greater blessing: Not in being near You, but in being like You.

May Your Spirit stir in me a holy obedience, That I may be counted among those who hear and keep Your Word. 

Amen.




Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.


Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot

Listen and Live Out the Word of God

He replied, “Rather, blessed are those 
who hear the word of God and observe it.” 


Jesus Christ is the word made flesh who works mightily in you so that you may believe that He is your Lord and Savior. The power of His works is in His Word. His word is always the beginning of all works. 

The works of the Lord is the fulfillment of His word. Do everything the Lord tells you and you will be blessed. True blessedness comes from within. It is not measured in terms of fame and fortune as other people attribute them to be. It comes from the heart that readily responds to the works of the Lord.



You showed us how important it is to follow God’s will more than anything else in life, even at the expense of our human bonds. Thank You so much for guiding me with Your word and instructions every step of the way.

Today, I humbly ask and pray for the gift of wisdom, discernment, and understanding. Keep my mind and heart focused on Your word that gives life and meaning to my day. Help me to live a daily life that is in accordance with the Father's will and purpose. May we learn from and follow Your example.

You have said, "whoever is for You is not against You". Your word says it all. I am truly blessed to hear Your word each day and to act upon it is a bonus blessing.  I believed that I am truly blessed because of Your presence in me who is the very word that was made flesh. 

I do confess that in times past, I too was quite confused on who You really are but, in the goodness, and graces of the Father, I was drawn close to You. You have opened my eyes to the truth that You are my Lord and Savior, and no one can come to the Father except through You. You are everything to me. May Your mighty Name as our Lord and Savior be in the hearts of all the peoples of the world that will truly bring praise and glory to the Father. 

With much love and thanksgiving, I pray in Your mighty Name. 



Published:
October 14, 2023, 10:48 AM

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Holistic Righteousness

 


Gospel
Matthew 23:23-26


23 Jesus said: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes of mint and dill and cumin and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. But these you should have done, without neglecting the others. 24 Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel! 25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean.”



Background

Jesus addresses the scribes and Pharisees, denouncing their hypocrisy. The scribes and Pharisees meticulously tithed even small herbs like mint, anise, and cummin. These were not explicitly commanded by the Mosaic law but were part of the traditions of the elders.

Mint, for example, was known for its sweet smell, and the Jews would spread it on the floors of their synagogues. Anise (or dill) and cummin were also subject to tithing. However, they neglected weightier matters of the law. Jesus rebukes them for focusing on minor details while neglecting justice, mercy, and faith.  

These weightier matters are essential components of true righteousness: Justice - Treating others fairly and equitably, Mercy - Showing compassion and kindness to those in need, and Faith - Trusting in God and living out genuine faith. Jesus emphasizes that they should have practiced these weightier matters without neglecting the smaller aspects of the law.

Jesus calls the scribes and Pharisees “blind guides” because they led others astray with their legalistic focus. Their external piety masked their lack of true spiritual understanding and compassion.


Learning Lessons:

Jesus emphasizes that while tithing herbs and seeds is commendable, it should not overshadow more significant matters. We should focus on justice, mercy, and faith as central aspects of our lives. We must examine our hearts to ensure our actions align with our beliefs. 

Attention to small details is essential, but not at the expense of love, compassion, and faith. It’s not just about following rules; it’s about cultivating a genuine relationship with God and others. Let us strive for a holistic approach to righteousness.



Holistic Righteousness

In the garden of our hearts, seeds of faith we sow, 
Tending to the herbs of duty, meticulous and slow. 
But Jesus whispers wisdom, a truth profound and clear, 
“Justice, mercy, love—these are what truly matter here.”

Justice, like a river, flows through every deed, 
Treating others fairly, meeting their every need. 
Mercy, like a gentle rain, softens hardened ground, 
Compassion blooms in kindness, where love is found.

Faith, a sturdy oak, roots deep within our soul, 
Trusting God’s unseen hand, making broken hearts whole. 
And as we cultivate this garden, tending to each part, 
We find a holistic righteousness—a masterpiece of heart.

So let us not forget, amidst the rules we keep, 
To nurture love’s sweet blossoms, where grace runs deep. 
For in the grand design of faith, compassion, and grace, 
We find communion with our Maker—a sacred, boundless space.




Lord Jesus, 

Our Shepherd and Guide, in the quiet chambers of our hearts, we seek You. You who spoke of justice, mercy, and faith, whose words echo through the ages, timeless and true.

Grant us discernment, O Savior, as we navigate life’s intricate pathways. May we not be blinded by the minutiae but fix our gaze on the weightier matters— Justice, like a balanced scale, impartial and fair, Mercy, like a soothing balm, healing wounds, and faith, like an unwavering anchor, steadfast and sure.

Help us examine our hearts, dear Jesus, for often we tread the narrow path, yet neglect the wideness of Your love. May our actions align with our beliefs, not mere rituals, but expressions of devotion, rooted in a genuine relationship with You.

Teach us to tithe not only herbs and seeds, But the abundance of grace You freely give. May our lives be a symphony of compassion, A dance of love, a testament to faith. And when we stand before Your throne, may our righteousness be holistic— woven with threads of justice, mercy, and unwavering trust.

Amen.




Pericope:
VI: Ministry in Judea and Jerusalem
DENUNCIATION OF THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES
Matthew 23:23-26

Gospel Acclamation
The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.



Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot


Saturday, July 26, 2025

WROTE ALL THE WORDS OF THE LORD

And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD. 
And he rose early in the morning, 
and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, 
and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. 
(Exodus 24:4)


BLOGGING FOR JESUS

Many years passed since I first wrote a blog proclaiming the words of the Lord. To date, I have more than a hundred blogs mostly centered on God's word.
Do I do it for profit? Certainly not! It has been my life to find delight, comfort, and satisfaction in God's Word each time I wake up early in the morning.
It is the main ingredient that makes my day complete. I need to be nourished with the Lord's daily bread in order to truly experience and appreciate what life is all about.
I can not possibly live without the Word of God.

 

Lord, 

Your words are my delight. Each morning when I wake, I read your words written in the scriptures. I believed that your words speak of my very life for you have created me and brought me into this world by your word. Your power is in your word and through your word, all things came to be. 

May your word in Christ manifest its full power in me as I strive to live in accordance with your word for the praise and glory of your name. 

With much love and thanksgiving, I pray in Jesus Name. 

Amen.






Published:
June 02, 2024, 5:19 AM
July 29, 2023, 10:07 AM
July 27, 2013, 10:55 AM

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Religious Ritual or Traditions



You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things.” 
(Mark 7:13)

Our actions should align with our words and that our faith is genuine. What defiles a person is not what goes into their body, but what comes out of their heart. Evil thoughts and actions originate from within. This lesson highlights the importance of guarding our hearts and minds and striving for inner purity and righteousness.


True purity comes from within, not from external rituals. It is important for us to have inner righteousness and sincerity over merely following religious rituals or traditions. We should prioritize God's commandments above human traditions and to avoid using religious practices as an excuse to neglect our responsibilities.


You nullify the word of God, 
With traditions made by human hand. 
In favor of customs you hold tight, 
You stray from His divine command.

Handed down through the ages past, 
Yet hollow now, these rituals stand. 
You do many such things, alas, 
Forsaking the truth of God's own plan.

Seek not the shell, but heart within, 
The word of God, let it begin. 
In faith and love, His truth impart, 
And let it dwell within your heart.


Lord Jesus, 

You remind us to prioritize Your word, above all human traditions we hold dear. Grant us the wisdom to discern and follow, the path of righteousness, ever clear.

Help us to honor Your commandments, and to align our hearts with Your will. May we cast aside empty rituals, and seek Your truth, our spirits to fill.

Guide us to live with integrity, in faithfulness to Your holy name. For Your word is our eternal foundation, and in Your love, we find our aim.

Amen.




Pericope:
II: The Mystery of Jesus
THE TRADITION OF THE ELDERS
Mark 7:1-23

Gospel Acclamation
Incline my heart, O God, to your decrees; and favor me with your law.

Gospel | Mark 7:1-13 (or John 2:1-11)

1 When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, 2 they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. 3 (For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. 4 And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds.) 5 So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, “Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?” 6 He responded, “Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; 7 In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts. 8 You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.” 9 He went on to say, “How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition! 10 For Moses said, Honor your father and your mother, and Whoever curses father or mother shall die. 11 Yet you say, ‘If someone says to father or mother, “Any support you might have had from me is qorban”’ (meaning, dedicated to God), 12 you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother. 13 You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things.”


Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot


Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Word of God at Work



In receiving the word of God 
from hearing us, 
you received not 
a human word but, 
as it truly is, 
the word of God, 
which is now at work 
in you who believe.
(1 Thessalonians 2:13)



A great King am I, says the Lord of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations (Mal 1:14). You have turned aside from the way, and have caused many to falter by your instruction; you have made void the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of hosts. I, therefore, have made you contemptible and base before all the people, since you do not keep my ways, but show partiality in your decisions. (Mal 1:8-9)

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Mt 23:1-12)

Have we not all the one father? Has not the one God created us? Why then do we break faith with each other, violating the covenant of our fathers? (Mal 1:10) And now, O priests, this commandment is for you: If you do not listen, and if you do not lay it to heart, to give glory to my name, says the Lord of hosts, I will send a curse upon you and of your blessing I will make a curse. (Mal 2:1-2)

We were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children. With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our very selves as well, so dearly beloved had you become to us. You recall, brothers and sisters, our toil and drudgery. Working night and day in order not to burden any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. (1 Thes 2:7-9) And for this reason we, too, give thanks to God unceasingly, that, in receiving the word of God from hearing us, you received not a human word but, as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe. (1 Thes 2:13)

O Lord, my heart is not proud nor are my eyes haughty; I busy not myself with great things, nor with things too sublime for me. Nay rather, I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother’s lap, so is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord, both now and forever. (Ps 13:1-3)


Published:
November 05, 2023, 7:08 AM

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

What Must I Do?

There was a scholar of the law 
who stood up to test Jesus and said, 
“Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 
LUKE 10:25


This is the word of the Lord that came to Jonah, son of Amittai: “Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and preach against it; their wickedness has come up before Me.” (Jon 1:2)

Jesus said, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?”  He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” (Lk 10:26-28)

The law does not depend on faith; rather, the one who does these things will live by them. Christ ransomed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written, Cursed be everyone who hangs on a tree, that the blessing of Abraham might be extended to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (Gal 3:12-14)

The word of God is not chained. Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory. This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with Him we shall also live with Him; if we persevere we shall also reign with Him. But if we deny Him He will deny us. If we are unfaithful He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. (2 Tim 9-13)

The Lord has made His salvation known: in the sight of the nations He has revealed his justice. He has remembered His kindness and His faithfulness toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. (Ps 98:2-3)

Light dawns for the just; and gladness, for the upright of heart. Be glad in the Lord, you just, and give thanks to His holy name. (Ps 97:11-12)


Published:
October 09, 2023, 7:56 AM