At first glance, today’s Gospel might appear quite simple due to its brevity. However, there are multiple layers embedded in the clear message of the reading. Mary the mother of Jesus is central to this message. When we pray we recognize the privilege it was for her to be the mother of Jesus “Blessed are you among women.” However, Mary’s true significance was not just in her being chosen to be the mother of Jesus but in her unconditional “yes” she gave in response to God’s request of her. She heard God’s word and acted upon it for her whole life.

In a similar vein the power of Jesus lay not just in his ability to silence his critics and his accusers, his power over demons or even in his miracles. Jesus also heard the word of His Father and kept that word in his actions—even unto his death.

So it must be for us as well. The only greatness that matters, the only greatness we should be concerned about is identifying what our Father asks of us and keeping his word. Our task is clear. Not only must we listen to and reflect upon the word of God—we must observe it. And that observation mandates we act on it.