The Octave Day of the Nativity of The Lord
Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God(Click Here for Readings)
Gospel of Luke 2:16-21
The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.... All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds, And Mary kept all these things and reflected on them in her heart.
Happy New Year! Have you made any resolutions? Are you striving toward holiness in 2014? The Blessed Virgin Mary is the finest example of pure holiness. She courageously brought the Son of God into this world. She's not only the Holy Mother of God but Daughter of the Earth, Queen of Peace, and a motherly figure to all the faithful.
As I meditate on the scripture passages for today's Mass, I imagine Mary pondering inside her heart, reflecting on what's happening around her. She just gave birth to Jesus. She is exhausted and overwhelmed by new motherhood. She is visited by shepherds who describe being guided by angels to the manger. She smiles and silently prays to herself. Mary is so grateful for her healthy bundle of joy and thankful for Joseph by her side. She is hopeful that the future will look bright for her very blessed family.
As we think about the New Year's resolutions we have made, we should reflect inside our own hearts. It takes understanding ourselves and our interior needs in order to change. If we do not do our "homework" and make a commitment to a resolution, it won't stick. I think of the number of times people resolve to lose weight, stop smoking, or get in better shape.
Do you have a plan of action on how to accomplish your goals? Are you aware of the obstacles you may face? Are you sincere in changing your ways for the better?
We should consider our spiritual resolutions as well as personal goals. Finding time for daily prayer and scripture reading can give us the encouragement we need to change. Also, going to confession and purging our hearts of sin can do wonders in turning our lives in a positive direction. Personally, I plan to go to confession this weekend. I want the year to start off on a high note with Our Lord showering me with grace and the Blessed Mother gazing at me with love!
The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let your face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!
(Numbers 6:22-27)
-J.
As I meditate on the scripture passages for today's Mass, I imagine Mary pondering inside her heart, reflecting on what's happening around her. She just gave birth to Jesus. She is exhausted and overwhelmed by new motherhood. She is visited by shepherds who describe being guided by angels to the manger. She smiles and silently prays to herself. Mary is so grateful for her healthy bundle of joy and thankful for Joseph by her side. She is hopeful that the future will look bright for her very blessed family.
As we think about the New Year's resolutions we have made, we should reflect inside our own hearts. It takes understanding ourselves and our interior needs in order to change. If we do not do our "homework" and make a commitment to a resolution, it won't stick. I think of the number of times people resolve to lose weight, stop smoking, or get in better shape.
Do you have a plan of action on how to accomplish your goals? Are you aware of the obstacles you may face? Are you sincere in changing your ways for the better?
We should consider our spiritual resolutions as well as personal goals. Finding time for daily prayer and scripture reading can give us the encouragement we need to change. Also, going to confession and purging our hearts of sin can do wonders in turning our lives in a positive direction. Personally, I plan to go to confession this weekend. I want the year to start off on a high note with Our Lord showering me with grace and the Blessed Mother gazing at me with love!
The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let your face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!
(Numbers 6:22-27)
-J.
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