United States Conference of Secular institutes

USCSI REFLECTIONS

Luke 11:27-28

This teaching is precise, listen to the word of God and keep it. Listen, yes, but put it all into practice. It is not by chance that all these actions are centered on Mary. St Anselm says, “She so listened to the word of God that it took flesh with her.” Mary is the model of one who listens, keeps the word and puts it into practice in her life. But she is also the one who ponders the word of God. To listen means to pay heed, to have an attentive ear and to be quiet. In the Old and New Testament hearing is more important than seeing. Why was this so? Because God spoke. God speaks to his people. God’s word is also creative.