Luke 2:16-21

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Opening Prayer: Holy Spirit, through this prayer lead my soul to a deeper faith, a stronger hope, and a more passionate love for God and others. Strengthen my faith through the example of Mary, mother of Jesus and my mother, so I can live my life helping to bring Jesus to the world like she did.

Encountering Christ: 

1. The Light of Faith: After the Annunciation, the Gospel tells us that the angel departed from Mary (Luke 1:38). The angel had not explained how every detail of Jesus’s birth would happen, how Joseph would finally take her into his home, how they would have to travel to Bethlehem for the census. Like all of us, Mary had to hold on in faith to the promise. She had to trust God although she did not know the specifics. Mary must have been consoled when the shepherds arrived at the manger and shared the story about the angels appearing to them. Their visit was a confirmation that everything was happening according to God’s plan. At times we can feel like our faith gives us just enough light to take the next step. We can be consoled and grateful when Our Lord sends little confirmations to encourage us along the journey.

2. Mary’s Heart: “Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). Mary knew how to make a prayer of her life. She had learned that she could discover the hand of God in everything, and she knew that the story of salvation was unraveling before her eyes. She was awed before the mystery, the baby she was holding in her arms. Being always open and receptive to the life of God within her prepared her for the mission of being the Mother of God. In our life, God is also speaking constantly through our circumstances. Our own stories of salvation are being unraveled every day. Blessed Mother, pray that we are receptive and open!

3. The Shepherds: Mary noticed how the shepherds were poor and simple, not wealthy or powerful. But that might have not surprised her, since she knew how God had chosen her, how he had looked at her lowliness (Luke 1:46), and through her sought to establish a kingdom with no end (Luke 1:33). Mary did not hesitate to humbly share in the joy of salvation with those shepherds. She opened her heart to glorify God with them. Let us look at the example of Mary, Mother of God and our mother, and learn to humble ourselves, opening our hearts to love all people unconditionally, expecting that God will do amazing things through us for his glory. 

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, thank you for becoming a man like us. Thank you for the gift of your mother. Help me to learn from her so I can also bring you to today’s world and share your love as she did. 

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I want to find some time to pray a rosary or a decade of the rosary to ask Mary, your mother and my mother, to help me live my faith as she lived it. 

For Further Reflection: Read and reflect on the Catechism of the Catholic Church 484-507, which speaks of Mary our mother, and her role in salvation.