Having described the depredations of the locusts in the earlier part of his book, Joel concludes, in today's Reading, with his prophecy of the heathen nations making a final onslaught on Jerusalem. However, in the Valley of Judgement (Jehoshaphat), the Lord will defeat them, asserting His divine authority on them. Through all this, Israel will be protected by God "roaring from Zion, making His voice heard from Jerusalem" (v.16), indicating His protection for His people for whom He is a refuge and a stronghold.

Today's Gospel message contains only two sentences. Short as it is, it is very profound. When the woman in the crowd spontaneously bursts out in praise for the mother of Jesus, this praise is really meant for her Son. Jesus uses this praise of His mother as a stepping stone to elaborate on the virtue of His mother. She was blessed because she listened to the word of God. So also are others blesed when they listen to the word of God, meaning the will of God. They thus belong to the family of God.

Carlo Carretto, reflecting on the misfortunes of his life and his struggles to accept the will of God, in his book Why, O Lord?, has this to say: "The will of God is fulfilled in spite of us... and even with us sometimes," It is no wonder that those who do listen to the will of God, thus fulfilling His purpose, are indeed blessed .