Ordinary Weekday/ Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary/ Callistus I, Pope, Martyr
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 105: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Alleluia: Luke 11: 28
Gospel: Luke 11: 27-28
First Reading: Galatians 3: 22-29
22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise, by the faith of Jesus Christ, might be given to them that believe.
23 But before the faith came, we were kept under the law shut up, unto that faith which was to be revealed.
24 Wherefore the law was our pedagogue in Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after the faith is come, we are no longer under a pedagogue.
26 For you are all the children of God by faith, in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized in Christ, have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek: there is neither bond nor free: there is neither male nor female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if you be Christ’s, then are you the seed of Abraham, heirs according to the promise.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 105: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7
R. (8a) The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or
R. Alleluia.
2 Sing to him, yea sing praises to him: relate all his wondrous works.
3 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or
R. Alleluia.
4 Seek ye the Lord, and be strengthened: seek his face evermore.
5 Remember his marvellous works which he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or
R. Alleluia.
6 O ye seed of Abraham his servant; ye sons of Jacob his chosen.
7 He is the Lord our God: his judgments are in all the earth.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or
R. Alleluia.
Alleluia: Luke 11: 28
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
28 Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Luke 11: 27-28
27 And it came to pass, as he spoke these things, a certain woman from the crowd, lifting up her voice, said to him: Blessed is the womb that bore thee, and the paps that gave thee suck.
28 But he said: Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it.
Reflection
God’s covenant reaches its fulfillment in Christ, who makes us children of God through faith. The law prepared the way, but faith opens us to the promise: baptized into Christ, we put on Christ and become heirs of Abraham’s blessing. Our deepest identity is therefore received from God, not secured by status, ancestry, or human distinction. In Christ, the barriers that divide people lose their power, because all belong to one family.
The Gospel shows what this faith looks like in daily life. A woman praises the mother who bore Jesus, yet Jesus points to the deeper blessing of hearing God’s word and keeping it. Admiration alone is insufficient; the word must take root in our choices. The psalm urges us to remember the Lord’s marvelous works and seek his face continually. We live as heirs of the promise when we listen attentively, obey faithfully, and allow God’s word to shape how we treat one another. Each act of humble obedience becomes a quiet way of wearing Christ before the world.
Prayer
Father of mercy, you remember your covenant and fulfill your promises in Jesus Christ. Thank you for making us your children through faith and for clothing us with Christ in baptism. Give us attentive hearts that hear your word clearly and the courage to keep it when obedience is difficult. Free us from pride, prejudice, and every division that forgets the unity you have given us. Help us seek your face, remember your works, and show the life of Christ in our words and actions. May our faith become faithful love, rooted in your promise. Amen.
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