The Keeper

INTRODUCTION

Fundamental and enduring relationship with Jesus is a requirement for the Blessed. But the Anawim is also given to the poor in spirit, and the peace makers. We are invited to live our fundamental calling of proclaiming peace and unity as essential values of the Kingdom of God.

HOMILY | Joel 4:12-21 | Luke 11:27-28

In yesterday Gospel we were talking about the Diablos. Dia bollein in Greek which means division. To break apart. To tear asunder. The demon is manifested in Division, destruction and separation.

Today, we are invited to reflect upon the opposite of dia-bollein which is sym ballein. They are both verbs. Sym ballein is the Greek word of keep. To unity. To Gather. To treasure or store together. IN our Gospel today, Jesus affirms the “blessedness of those who keep the Word of God.”

Of course protestants would use this Gospel to justify that Mary has a lesser degree as we know her. But the Gospel did not say any comparative to set Mary aside. Instead, this Gospel affirms Mary’s role as the Mother of God and that she is full of grace, and blessed among women.

What was the requirement for being blessed? “To hear the Word of God and keep it well.”

Isn’t Mary supposed to be the primary champion of the keeping the word of God in her heart?

• Remember in the Birth of Jesus, Mary kept all these things and pondered in her heart. (Luke 2:19)

• Remember nn the Losing and finding of Jesus in the temple? Mary treasured all these things in her heart. Lk. 2:51.

Our First reading prophecies the gathering of the people of God in the Valley of Verdict, and Yahweh will unify them because Yahweh is the refuge of the people and the stronghold of Israelites. It prefigures the transcending of the revelation which is intended to be heard by all people around the world beyond the boundaries of Jerusalem. Yahweh will be gathering, unifying his people.

We are therefore reminded of the value of unity. There is no more beautiful view than the view of unity amidst diversity. Internationalism transcending nationalism. Interculturalism transcending the confines of culturalism.

Mary is our perfect model of the sym-ballein.

Mary is our perfect model of keeping and treasuring and pondering the word of God.

Mary is our best model for setting aside differences.