“Blessed Are You If You Hear God’s Words And Obey It!”

“Blessed Are You If You Hear God’s Words And Obey It!”
In daily conversation you hear common expressions like, “Is it a woman who actually gave birth to this man?” “Hmmm, a woman took her time to give birth to a super person!”
In my culture just like in many African cultures, the place of mother is so central that the Fon’s mother is known as “Kah Ma Mfon” meaning granny, the mother of the Fon. There is also “Fon mungwi”, female Fon, commonly called “Fongwi.”
Mother is a blessing! When Prince Nico Mbarga came up with “Sweet Mother” it became a household song. In it he says, “My mother is great!” Mother is not only great, mother is gold!
In the midst of a profound teaching by Jesus it touched a cord in a woman’s heart and she called out from the crowd, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.”
A mother’s joy is not just in giving birth, but nursing up the child with the fear of the Lord.
Jesus replied the woman, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it”(Lk.11:27-28). Jesus’ response may sound embarrassing to motherhood, but he was not denying the blessedness of his mother. After all the woman was only inspired to repeat what the angel had told Mary at the Anunciation, “…you are highly favoured! The Lord is with you”(Lk.1:21). In the Catholic prayer for Mary it is well expressed, “Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed are thou amongst women…”
Like we said earlier, Jesus was not challenging the blessedness of his mother, rather he was stressing that it is even more blessed to be an obedient follower of the word of God.
When the words of men become the focus of obedience, then it is time you say, “I will rather obey God and not man! Lord help me in my resolve!”
When the word of God is no longer the basis of your faith; when your “Papa in the Lord” or “Mama in the Lord” becomes your focus, just remember these words of Jesus, “Blessed…are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Obedience is better than sacrifice.
Prayer of the week: Father thank you for a new working week. Holy Spirit guide me to hear the word of God and obey it. Amen!
Have a blessed day and week! Peace be with you!