GOSPEL POWER - JANUARY 1, 2021 - FRIDAY

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

Gospel: Lk 2:16-21

 The shepherds went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

REFLECTION

Mary’s initial “yes” to God’s proposal has set in motion events of cosmic proportions — too great for a simple village girl to take in all at once. But Luke portrays Mary as profoundly anchored. She knows she is not expected to figure out what is going on, but simply to remain radically open to God’s guidance of the course of events toward the fulfillment of the divine purposes. Life is a mystery that does not ask to be solved, for it reveals itself as we go through it day by day, moment by moment. In order not to miss this precious revelation amidst the many distractions that vie for our attention, we need the disposition which Mary teaches us on this very first day of the year. Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Reflective silence is the disposition of one who is ready for the revelation.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, help us to begin this new year by learning from your mother how to be open to the workings of Divine Providence in our life. Amen.