Blessed Is the Womb!

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Gal 3: 22-29; Lk 11: 27-28

Today’s Gospel highlights Jesus’ greatness not only as the Son of God but also as a selfless human person. 

A woman in the crowd who was inspired by his mission raised her voice in praise of Jesus, saying, ‘Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.’ On hearing this compliment, Jesus could have basked in the glory. However, he does not accept it, though in every way he deserved it. Instead, he shifts the focus to mean two things.

Firstly, Jesus does not measure greatness by his birth as the Son of God. Though his birth had a salvific significance, Jesus is convinced that the path of blessedness should be open to everyone, regardless of any human-made distinctions. In other words, Jesus does not seclude himself from the rest of humanity on account of his divine birth but invites everyone to a life of communion with God. In Jesus’ view, every person has the possibility of becoming blessed.

Secondly, Jesus shifts the focus from birth-based privilege to conduct-based privilege. This is why he transforms the personal compliment into a generous invitation to everyone. Here, he indicates the possibility that is available to all by saying, ‘Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.’ For this reason, Jesus came announcing the Kingdom of Heaven so that it is not reserved for a select few but belongs to all who can listen to God’s word and respond to it. We become great when we allow God’s word to shape our lives. 

Let us pray that we may become the doers of God’s word.

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar