Hearing and Doing

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to be people who demonstrate the words we proclaim through the actions in which we are involved.

From Word to Action

The Reading from the Prophet Joel presents The Lord’s Case Against the Nations.

* [4:2] Valley of Jehoshaphat: one of the symbolic names of the place of punishment for Judah’s enemies; the other is “Valley of Decision” (v. 14). The name Jehoshaphat means “the Lord judges.” If the popular identification of this place as the Kidron Valley is accurate, Joel may imagine the Lord seated above the valley on Mount Zion directing his troops in the destruction of nations in the valley below.

* [4:4–8] This prose material may be a later addition to the book. It illustrates a common biblical theme (cf. Ps 7:16; 9:16; 35:8; 37:14–15; 57:7), having one’s evil deed (selling Judahites into slavery) turned into one’s own punishment (being sold into slavery by the Judahites).

* [4:8] Sabeans: traders from the southwestern tip of the Arabian peninsula, present-day Yemen (cf. 1 Kgs 10:1–2; Ps 72:10; Jer 6:20).

* [4:10] The Lord directs the troops to forge military weapons out of the agricultural tools necessary for life during peacetime. In Is 2:4 and Mi 4:3, both in contexts presuming the defeat of Israel’s enemies, this imagery is reversed.

* [4:13] Their crimes are numerous: the nations are ripe for punishment. Joel uses the vocabulary of the autumn grape harvest to describe the assault of the Lord’s army against these nations. In Is 63:1–6, grape harvest imagery also controls the description of the Lord’s return from Edom with blood-spattered clothing after having trod his enemies into the ground as if they were grapes (cf. Jer 25:30).

* [4:17] Then you will know: this verse further develops the motif of knowledge introduced in 2:27. The Judahites will learn that the Lord is present in their economic prosperity and political autonomy, even though they did not associate God’s presence with their crop failure.

* [4:18] Images of agricultural abundance illustrate the harmony and order Joel expects the Lord to establish in Judah; like 2:18–27, this section reverses the deprivation and drought of chap. 1. A spring…house of the LORD: streams of water flowing from the Temple of an ideal Jerusalem also appear in Ez 47:1. The Valley of Shittim: or “the ravine of the acacia trees”; while there is a Shittim east of the Jordan, the reference here is probably to that rocky part of the Kidron Valley southeast of Jerusalem, an arid region where acacia trees flourished. (Joel, CHAPTER 4, n.d.)

Psalm 97 rejoices in the overthrowing of idol worshipers.

* [Psalm 97] The hymn begins with God appearing in a storm, a traditional picture of some ancient Near Eastern gods (Ps 97:1–6); cf. Ps 18:8–16; Mi 1:3–4; Heb 3:3–15. Israel rejoices in the overthrowing of idol worshipers and their gods (Ps 97:7–9) and the rewarding of the faithful righteous (Ps 97:10–12). (Psalms, PSALM 97, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus exhorts us to True Blessedness

* [11:27–28] The beatitude in Lk 11:28 should not be interpreted as a rebuke of the mother of Jesus; see note on Lk 8:21. Rather, it emphasizes (like Lk 2:35) that attentiveness to God’s word is more important than biological relationship to Jesus. (Luke, CHAPTER 11, n.d.)

Margo Minnich comments that we hear Jesus say, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” These words focus the listener on the deep reality of discipleship. Intimacy with God is not about proximity to Him, but about participation in His work. This is a personal call to be not just a listener but a doer of the Word.

We can connect these seemingly disparate readings by considering how our lives dedicated to the Word of God allow us to dwell in His refuge. God’s protection comes in our relationship sustained by faith and fidelity to God’s teachings. Saint Ignatius reminds us that love is shown more in our actions than in words.

To “observe” God’s word is to let it challenge us to act in ways that preference God’s glory over our own comfort, and to align our daily actions with His teaching. Today’s readings present God as both our refuge and our mission. 

We can begin our prayer today in gratitude, recalling a time when God has been a refuge to us personally. We can then listen for Jesus’ invitation to live his word by asking ourselves, “Where is God calling me to act today? How can I serve as His refuge for others today?” (Minnich, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “Blessings for hearing and keeping the Word,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"Mary was more blessed in accepting the faith of Christ than in conceiving the flesh of Christ. To someone who said, 'Blessed is the womb that bore you,' he replied, 'Rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.' Finally, for his brothers, his relatives according to the flesh who did not believe in him, of what advantage was that relationship? Even her maternal relationship would have done Mary no good unless she had borne Christ more happily in her heart than in her flesh." (excerpt from HOLY VIRGINITY 3.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 11:27-28 invites us to join the company of saints and angels in heaven every time you say no to temptation and yes to Jesus. Francis of Assisi, Thérèse of Lisieux, Augustine, Mother Teresa, and all the rest rejoice. So does Mary, our mother!

But what’s even more amazing is that your yes to God, offered with faith and acceptance, is no less valuable in God’s eyes than the yes offered by every saint. It’s no less valuable than Mary’s own yes to the angel. That’s how much he loves you.

“Lord, help me to stay focused on listening to your word and keeping it with all my heart!” (Meditation on Luke 11:27-28, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the reading from Joel about the Day of the Lord that declares people will receive what they deserve. God will take care of Zion while the enemies are punished. The remnant of the exile will live in God’s peace. Blessed womb and breast and blessed are those who hear the Word and obey it. In Luke, Mary, the perfect disciple, is one who did hear the Word and obeyed it through her trust in God’s promise. Friar Jude notes that when we live as Catholics we commit ourselves to trust in God in the events of our lives.

Fr. Mike Schmitz points out how advice from books like Proverbs and Sirach may not apply perfectly to every situation, but are meant to help guide us towards wisdom. He also highlights a piece from Sirach that encourages us to avoid "deserted places"—calling us not only to stay away from sin, but to stay away from what leads us to sin. The readings are 1 Maccabees 3, Sirach 7-9, and Proverbs 22:5-8.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Tricia Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry, who critiques the “grind culture” engendered by capitalism and reminds us of our divine right to rest in body and mind.

Our bodies and Spirits do not belong to capitalism, no matter how it is theorized and presented. Our divinity secures this, and it is our right to claim this boldly. I’m not grinding ever. I trust the Creator and my Ancestors to always make space for my gifts and talents without needing to work myself into exhaustion…. [1]  

Rest is as natural as breathing and waking up. Rest is part of our nature. Resting is about getting people back to their truest selves. To what they were before capitalism robbed you of your ability to just be. Rest is anything that slows you down enough to allow your body and mind to connect in the deepest way. We must be focused on knowing that our bodies and our worth are not connected to how many things we can check off a list. You can begin to create a “Not-To-Do-List” as you gain the energy to maintain healthy boundaries. Our opportunity to rest and reimagine rest is endless. There is always time to rest when we reimagine. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the Spirit to inspire our action to transform the Good News we hear into love, compassion and care for people and the environment.

References

Joel, CHAPTER 4. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 11, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/joel/4?12 

Luke, CHAPTER 11. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 11, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/11?27 

Meditation on Luke 11:27-28. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved October 11, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/10/11/1405165/ 

Minnich, M. (2025, October 11). Daily Reflection October 11, 2025 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved October 11, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-11-2025 

Psalms, PSALM 97. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 11, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/97?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 11, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/from-accumulation-to-abundance-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Hear the Word of God and Keep It. Daily Scripture Net. Retrieved October 11, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Faith and the Blessed

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today remind us that our Faith is supported by our experience of hearing and acting on the Word.

Faith and Blessings

In the reading from the Letter to the Galatians, Paul proclaims what Faith Has Brought Us.

* [3:23–29] Paul adds a further argument in support of righteousness or justification by faith and through God’s promise rather than by works of the law (Gal 2:16; 3:22): as children of God, baptized into Christ, the Galatians are all Abraham’s descendant and heirs of the promise to Abraham (Gal 3:8, 14, 16–18, 29). The teaching in Gal 3:23–25, that since faith (Christianity) has come, we are no longer under the law, could be taken with the previous paragraph on the role of the Mosaic law, but it also fits here as a contrast between the situation before faith (Gal 3:23) and the results after faith has come (Gal 3:25–29).

* [3:24–25] Disciplinarian: the Greek paidagōgos referred to a slave who escorted a child to school but did not teach or tutor; hence, a guardian or monitor. Applying this to the law fits the role of the law described in Gal 3:19–25.

* [3:26] Children of God: literally “sons,” in contrast to the young child under the disciplinarian in Gal 3:24–25. The term includes males and females (Gal 3:28).

* [3:27–28] Likely a formula used at baptism that expresses racial, social-economic, and sexual equality in Christ (cf. Col 3:11).

* [3:27] Clothed yourselves with Christ: literally, “have put on Christ”; cf. Rom 13:14; Eph 4:24; Col 3:10. Baptismal imagery, traceable to the Old Testament (Jb 29:14; Is 59:17) but also found in pagan mystery cults. (Galatians, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 105 praises God’s Faithfulness to Israel.

* [Psalm 105] A hymn to God who promised the land of Canaan to the holy people, cf. Ps 78; 106; 136. Israel is invited to praise and seek the presence of God (Ps 105:1–6), who is faithful to the promise of land to the ancestors (Ps 105:7–11). In every phase of the national story—the ancestors in the land of Canaan (Ps 105:12–15), Joseph in Egypt (Ps 105:16–22), Israel in Egypt (Ps 105:23–38), Israel in the desert on the way to Canaan (Ps 105:39–45)—God remained faithful, reiterating the promise of the land to successive servants. (Psalms, PSALM 105 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus defines True Blessedness.

* [11:27–28] The beatitude in Lk 11:28 should not be interpreted as a rebuke of the mother of Jesus; see note on Lk 8:21. Rather, it emphasizes (like Lk 2:35) that attentiveness to God’s word is more important than biological relationship to Jesus. (Luke, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rashmi Fernando, S.J. comments that the readings of today invite us to examine our own lives and ask whether we are living out our mission, the Word of God, the Logos, or the personified love of God, that our faith in Jesus Christ has revealed.

In our attempt to truly listen to and keep God’s word, are we willing to transcend our differences, look beyond our personal relationships and comfort zones, breaking down the barriers that divide us? Are we ready to elevate our perspective keeping God's mission at the forefront of our lives while maintaining love and respect for those around us? (Fernando, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Blessings for hearing and keeping the Word,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"Mary was more blessed in accepting the faith of Christ than in conceiving the flesh of Christ. To someone who said, 'Blessed is the womb that bore you,' he replied, 'Rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.' Finally, for his brothers, his relatives according to the flesh who did not believe in him, of what advantage was that relationship? Even her maternal relationship would have done Mary no good unless she had borne Christ more happily in her heart than in her flesh." (excerpt from HOLY VIRGINITY 3.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Galatians 3:22-29 comments that Paul was quick to clarify: it was through the gift of faith that they were saved, not through adherence to the Law. The Law and its negative disciplines—the “thou shalt nots”—were meant to keep God’s people safe until Jesus came and sent his Spirit into their hearts. And now, because that same Spirit dwells in us, we can fulfill the law as we learn to live by the Spirit and not by our fallen nature.

So practice listening to the Spirit. Tell him you want to learn how to follow his guidance. Ask him to help you fulfill the law of love just as Jesus did. That’s the path to freedom and peace.

“Holy Spirit, help me to live in love.” (Meditation on Galatians 3:22-29, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that Paul declares that the Law tells us when we are guilty and faith makes us children of God at peace with God. Distinctions between people are no longer important in our relationship with God. Friar Jude reminds us that Mary heard the Word of God and embraced it.

Barbara Holmes opens her book Joy Unspeakable by honoring God’s joyful presence in difficult times.

Joy Unspeakable
  is not silent,
it moans, hums, and bends
to the rhythm of a dancing universe.
It is a fractal of transcendent hope,
a hologram of God’s heart,
a black hole of unknowing. 

For our free African ancestors,
joy unspeakable is drum talk
that invites the spirits
to dance with us,
and tell tall tales by the fire. 

For the desert Mothers and Fathers,
joy unspeakable is respite
from the maddening crowds,
and freedom from
  “church” as usual. 

For enslaved Africans during the
Middle Passage,
joy unspeakable is the surprise
of living one more day,
and the freeing embrace of death
  chosen and imposed. 

For Africans in bondage
in the Americas,
joy unspeakable is that moment of
mystical encounter
when God tiptoes into the hush arbor,
testifies about Divine suffering,
and whispers in our ears,
  “Don’t forget,
  I taught you how to fly
  on a wing and a prayer,
    when you’re ready
      let’s go!”… 

For the tap dancing, boogie woogie,
  rap/rock/blues griots
  who also hear God,
joy unspeakable is
that space/time/joy continuum thing
  that dares us to play and pray
  in the interstices of life,
it is the belief that the phrase
  “the art of living”
  means exactly what it says. 

  Joy Unspeakable
    is
both FIRE AND CLOUD,
the unlikely merger of
  trance and high tech lives
  ecstatic songs and a jazz repertoire
    Joy unspeakable is
    a symphony of incongruities
      of faces aglow and hearts
      on fire
        and the wonder of surviving together. (Holmes, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit to reveal the joy of living in the Word particularly when we are experiencing difficult times.

References

Fernando, R. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. OnlineMinistries. Retrieved October 12, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/101224.html 

Galatians, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 12, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/galatians/3? 

Holmes, B. (n.d.). Dancing with Divine Fire: Weekly Summary. Richard Rohr. Retrieved October 12, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/dancing-with-divine-fire-weekly-summary/ 

Luke, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 12, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/11? 

Meditation on Galatians 3:22-29. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved October 12, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/10/12/1103307/ 

Psalms, PSALM 105 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 12, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/105?2 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Hear the Word of God and Keep It. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 12, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=oct12