October 9. Groups were engaging with the issue raised in the gospel. “Being missionary disciples is no easy task these days is it?   There are so many values to be considered, even things like family life, motherhood and fatherhood too. Is Jesus downplaying the role of his own mother by his response to the comment about his blessed mother.  He answered with,  ‘“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it.’”  “Maybe he was saying that just having a child isn’t the blessing but how we develop that motherly attitude of care for all children is. Imagine if we really did show motherly care for all the abandoned and lost children in society.” “But we must consider the context in which he was speaking too.”  

 “Blessed is the womb that bore you.” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” Luke 11:27-28.  Pope Francis:  The grandeur of women includes all the rights derived from their inalienable human dignity but also from their feminine genius.  Their specifically feminine abilities – motherhood in particular – also grant duties, because womanhood also entails a specific mission in this world, a mission that society needs to protect and preserve for the good of all.  AL173.  Reflect, share, act and pray.    How can I show appreciation for the gift of motherhood?