Today's short gospel reading reflects the essentials of discipleship in listening to and doing God's Word. The praise for Jesus by the women in the crowd is occasioned by his teaching. This in fact refers to Mary. It is not just because of her physical motherhood of Jesus, but she was a true listener and doer of God's word.

She devoted her life to listening with her heart and soul to God's word and acted on it whole-heartedly. Similarly, all followers of Jesus must be attuned to the Word of God and put it into practice. By listening to the Word of God, we will be able to discern God's will for us.

This is what the first reading tells us. We are to recognizing the strength and power of Yahweh, and how His promises were fulfilled and justice done. This gives us the assurance that when we do what is right, His guidance and light will lead us in His ways.