Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

First Reading:  NM 6:22-27

Second Reading:  GAL 4:4-7

Gospel:  LK 2:16-21

 

Reflection

By: Carlo Malaluan

 

In the Gospel, we see a very intimate scene of God-experience. The shepherds tending their flock went in haste to the place where Jesus is born. They find his parents and told them the story of apparition of the angels whom he brought them the good news of Salvation. The shepherds seemingly curious and filled with joy upon receiving the good news, saw the God-child with His mother. In the tradition of the Church, Mary is the Theotokos – the God-bearer.

 

Each Christmas season, I would like to reflect on the beautiful image of Mary cradling the infant Jesus. This tender image of a mother and her son points us to the divine peace that the Divine child has brought to the world. It is also timely, as we join in prayers for peace, let us also look at another image of the Blessed Mother at the foot of the cross caressing the lifeless body of her Son. The same arms that held the Child in a humble stable of Bethlehem received the body of the Savior. In the arms of the Blessed Mother is the true source of peace.

 

In the beginning, God desired peace and harmony among all creation but sin entered and violence follows. It was God's will to restore that peace in our hearts by coming forth through a mother.

Allow me to recall the words of the Holy Father Francis, "Jesus himself lived in violent times. Yet, he taught that the true battlefield, where violence and peace meet, is the human heart." In the scriptures, we see Mary pondering everything in her heart. Though she cannot understand and her heart seems to be a silent battlefield of emotions and questions, she remained trusting in the ways of the Divine.

When our hearts are overwhelmed with anger, confusion, doubt, questions – may we learn from the example of the Blessed Mother to remain in the silent contemplation of God's workings. There, we will find the true meaning of peace. As we joyfully celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, let us ask God for the grace of peace that Mary has experienced in that lowly stable in Bethlehem.

Prayer

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen. (Aaronic Blessing).