Beyond Performance
Where do you feel the nudge to move from focusing on the outward to practicing a faith rooted in authentic love and connection?
Luke 11:27–28
A woman in the crowd raised her voice and said … “Blessed is the womb that bore you …” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!”
Mary sat at Jesus's feet, in the position of a disciple. She claimed her right to share that sacred space and also believed that she was worthy to be there.
In Luke 11, a woman’s praise for Jesus’s lineage prompts him to invite a deeper reflection on what faith looks like in practice. Rather than dismissing her words, Jesus gently shifts the focus from mere admiration to embodying the Creator’s call of compassion and justice.
It can be tempting to rely on how “religious” we appear—through rituals, language, or reputation. But this passage reminds us that it’s not about perfect performances or checking off boxes. It’s about listening to the Spirit’s invitation and responding in tangible, loving ways that nurture community.
During Lent, perhaps we can pause and consider how our outward expressions connect with the grace and genuine care flowing through us. It’s an invitation to let go of rigid expectations and embrace faith as a living, breathing act of hope and solidarity.
Where do you feel the nudge to move from focusing on the outward to practicing a faith rooted in authentic love and connection?
— Katelin Champion