Saint Cecilia by Ermes Dovico
GOSPEL PEARLS

Pleasing God more than men

Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it! (Luke 11: 28)

Gospel Pearls 15_08_2020 Italiano Español

As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!”  But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11: 27-28)

The woman's words referring to pregnancy and breastfeeding were used to show appreciation of someone's beauty. Jesus does not allow us to dwell on his outward charm, which also had an effect on women. Rather he reminds us that bliss, that is, true happiness, does not depend on birth privileges and rights, nor on material goods such as beauty, but on the willingness to listen to God's Word in order to put it into practice in our lives. Let us strive to please God more than men.