Jesus is calling us to hear the word of God. He himself is the word of God and when he speaks we have the opportunity to hear. Yet so often we don't really listen. The words are spoken but we don't observe them. They enter and exit our consciousness quickly without having any transformative effect on us. Yet the words Jesus speaks have power. They are able to cut to the heart. They can transform us if we observe them. We observe them like signposts guiding us toward the right path. We observe them by keeping them in mind, by remembering them, speaking them, and doing whatever we can to keep them in our mind's eye. Only observance within can allow us to be faithful in external observance.
Mary is doubly blessed. Hers is the womb that carries Jesus. Hers is the breast at which he is nursed. And she, more than any other human, hears the word of God and observes it. She is able to welcome the word so fully that she is the one in whom he takes on flesh. She treasures the word in her heart and so she lives a life of utter fidelity to that word. From beginning to end her secret is a humble acceptance of God's word to her.
The LORD tells us that he is a refuge for his people. We can hear that, think it is nice imagery, and forget it. Or we can actually take refuge in him. It is actually an invitation. There is power here to respond to the storms of life. But to unleash it we must hear and observe it.
The Holy Spirit is the fountain that flows from the house of the LORD. Let us drink from this stream so that we may abide forever. We drink from this fountain in both word, sacrament, community, and prayer. Most of us are almost dying of thirst. Fortunately there is no absence of water. We just need to listen.
Light dawns for the just;
and gladness, for the upright of heart.
Be glad in the LORD, you just,
and give thanks to his holy name.
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