August 10: Day 5 of the Novena for the Feast of the Assumption

LISTENING TO THE WORD

Listening is another trait proper to Our Lady in her long path of silence during which she accompanies the apostolic and missionary work of her Son. The evangelist Luke presents to us two instances of Mary “listening” attentively to the Word of God. On one occasion where Jesus was preaching to the crowd who followed him, someone said: “Your mother and your brothers are here to see you.” He replied, “My mother and my brothers are those who listen to the Word of God and put it into practice.” (Lk. 8, 19-21). Here Jesus establishes the real parental bond with Mary. Mary was able to give us Jesus in the flesh because first of all, full of faith, she welcomed Him in her heart.

Mary is “happy” because she gave us Jesus, the Son of God made man. But this was made possible because “the humble servant of the Lord” knew how to say “yes” to the Word she received. To live listening to the Word of God means possessing a great contemplative capacity. Only the poor in spirit are capable of it.

(silent reflection)

Prayer

Lord God, at every moment you await our response of faith. Grant us to allow the Word that took flesh in Mary to bear fruit: the Word, who is Jesus Christ Our Lord.

Amen.