Readings: Joel 3:12-21; Psalm 97; Luke 11:27-28
Jesus’ life was so inspiring that a woman blessed the womb that bore Him and the breast He sucked.
Let us ask ourselves today, “Do I live in such a way that my life can bring honour to my family and glory to the God I serve?” Can people be inclined to bless and praise God because of me?”
Jesus redirected the praise He received from this woman. For Him, those who hear the Word of God and keep it are more blessed. Note, Jesus didn’t bless those who just hear the Word of God but those who ponder on it, who seek to understand the meaning, those who allow it to dwell in them, those who diligently study it, those who allow themselves to be convicted by it, those who allowed it to influence their lives and judgment, and through it have become better people and blessed Children of God.
The First Reading of today reminds us of the day the Lord will judge the guilty, those who have lived their lives in disobedience to God’s Word, those who have followed the dictates of their flesh instead of the Word and will of God. They will have to answer before God, who will not clear the guilty and before whom nothing is hidden.
Lord Jesus, help me to put into practice your Word that I hear and study. May it shape my life, regulate my conduct, influence my thoughts and judgment, guide my relationship with people and keep me faithful to you, so that I may be pleasing to you in time and obtain mercy on the day of judgment, Amen.
Sermon preached by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Baraka-Gukena Okami on October 9, 2021.