The one who heard God's word and kept it

"As he said this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, 'Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that you sucked!' But he said, 'Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!'" -- Luke 11:27-29

So often we hear people say that Jesus' response implies that Mary is not blessed, or that those who keep God's word are more blessed than she that bore Him. This is absurd! Who is it that heard God's word and kept it so closely to her that she gave birth to His Son nine months later?? Mary! Jesus here is giving Mary her rightful praise. She is blessed not merely because she gave birth to Him, but for the reason why she gave birth to Him-- because she heard the word of God and kept it! He is reminding us all of our feminine role in relation to God, of conceiving God's word within us that we might bear His fruit to the world with Mary as the archetype. Jesus is also protecting Mary-- we see Mary shielded from much of the public spectacle through out the Gospels. She is there, but is not the focus of attention of the people. When you think of how glorious and beautiful Mary must have been, it is a wonder that she was not badgered by people constantly, is it not? For she was without sin! Without blemish! God's most perfect creature! God protected her from the eyes of the people, thus allowing her to follow her Son without worry for her own safety. It was also in line with Mary's own wishes, for she is constantly pointing to her Son, 'Do whatever He tells you.' She would not desire the praise of others, but rather have them praise God and His Son, and learn to follow Him and conceive His word.