Those words were also spoken of Noah, Moses, and David.
Already addressed in post #297.
In fact, Jesus Himself said that all who “hear the word of God, and keep it” are blessed. In fact He said “Nay rather which should surely get the attention of any Catholic.
In the context of Luke 1:28, 41-42, the "nay rather" is clearly a statement that the woman's focus was too narrow - as would be the focus of anyone who said that ONLY Mary should be regarded as favored by God - which is not Catholic doctrine.
Say what? Look at that verse again.
Luke 11:27-28 27 And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. 28 But he said, Nay rather, (Greek Menounge: nay surely, nay rather) blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
The woman simply said “blessed is the womb” and Jesus responded with Nay rather and then went on to say that the truly blessed are those who “hear the word of God, and keep it”. No matter which way you look at it Jesus was either saying those who “hear the word of God, and keep it” are the blessed ones or that Mary is simply included with that group with no special category given her. The best anyone can come away from that verse is that Mary is no more blessed than anyone else who hears the word of God and keeps it.