A Blessed Mother

Bishop Riggen preaches from Luke 1:39-45 on Mary as a blessed mother, establishing through three witnesses—the angel Gabriel, Elizabeth filled with the Holy Ghost, and an unnamed woman in Luke 11—that Mary was indeed blessed by God. He argues that while the church world has over-venerated Mary, apostolics often avoid the topic, yet her life offers vital lessons on finding God's favor. The sermon identifies two keys to Mary's blessing: first, her willingness to accept God's will regardless of personal cost, as seen when she told the angel, 'Be it unto me according to thy word,' even knowing the reproach she would face as an unwed mother. Bishop Riggen emphasizes that Mary bore shame, potential divorce from Joseph, and the prophecy of a sword piercing her soul, yet she submitted. Second, she was obedient to God's word, pondering it in her heart—from the shepherds' report to Jesus' temple response. She kept His commands, waiting in Jerusalem for the Holy Ghost as instructed, and likely received baptism in Jesus' name. Bishop Riggen contends that Jesus' reply in Luke 11:28—'Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it'—shows Mary's greater blessing was not just giving birth but her faithful hearing and keeping of Scripture. He applies this to all believers: to be blessed like Mary, one must accept God's will and obey His word, which leads to His favor being recognized even by one's family.