On this Feast of the Holy Mother of God, we see Mary marveling at what has happened, treasuring the events of Christmas in her memory, and pondering them in her heart (Luke 2, 16-21). This image is that of the “contemplative woman” who ponders the marvels the Almighty has done for her and for all people. She carefully weighs things and reflects on them – in response to what the shepherds said to her. Those simple, humble shepherds had preached the Gospel to her, repeating what had been told to them by the angels, “Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” It is this Good News, this Gospel, that Mary treasured and pondered. The very same Gospel has been preached to us. We are likewise invited to treasure it, to ponder it, and to respond to it, as she did.
New Year’s day is a day when many feel drawn to make good resolutions. What better new year’s resolution could we make today than that of adopting Mary’s stance before the grace of God? Today’s Feast invites us to share in her sense of awe and wonder before God’s merciful love, made known to us in Christ, her Son. As we look toward the new year, which begins today, we ask Mary to help us treasure the Gospel as she did, so that Christ might come to others through us as He came to us through Mary.
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We are saddened at the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. For a wide variety of articles and comments: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/
