Mary, Mother of God

Christmas III – The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 67; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21

Going through the house after mom died I came across a series of binders. They are filled with photos, concert and graduation programs, articles, ribbons and other mementos marking various moments and transitions in my life. I expect many mothers remember and treasure the lives of their children in similar ways; fathers do as well in their own manner.

Checking in to see if your children are sleeping soundly, parents I expect linger a bit to remember what has been but mostly to wonder what will be. A co-mingling in the present moment of past memories and future hopes.

“And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart”.

Twice while relating the childhood stories of Jesus, Luke concludes scenes with similar phrases about a mother reflecting. Once during the visitation of the shepherds and twelve years later when Mary experiences Jesus breaking boyhood ties with her and Joseph asking the hurtful, “Why were you looking for me?”.  I recall the painful pulling and tugging away from my parents to be distinct and independent, do you?

The Gospels were all written under the long shadow of the cross cast thru Jesus’ life and in the brilliant light of the resurrection. Shadow and light giving meaning to every aspect of the Gospel message.

In this play of light and shadow, what did Mary treasure of Jesus’ life?

What might we want to ask her?

Were you surprised the first time you felt the flutter of life in your body?

Was telling Joseph the news of your pregnancy the hardest thing you ever did? Were you fearful that you might have to raise the child alone? How did Joseph react when you insisted naming the child Jesus rather than Joe Jr.?

Mary, what songs did you sing to Jesus during his 3:00 am feedings?

What did you think about that odd prediction of the prophet Simeon about a sword piercing your heart? What was it like to know that someone wanted to kill your child? Did you weep and pray for the mothers of Bethlehem whose babies were murdered in the search for yours?

Did you count the fingers and toes of Jesus? Did he look like you? Did he have your nose or your eyes?

Did your heart ache to leave the Promised Land and move to Egypt?

How did your heart respond when you heard his voice: “Mommy, help me lace my sandals?” “Mom, what’s for dinner?” “Woman, don’t you know my time is not yet come?” “Mom, behold your son”.

Did you ever keep Jesus’ hands safely away from Joseph’s wood, spikes and hammers not realizing that wood, hammers and spikes were his future?

The eighth day of Christmas, as we reflect on Mary – and Joseph – on the relationship of children and parents, is a contemplative day as is the civil New Year. We look back; we hope for a better future. The reflection on parents and their children opens a pathway for us to reflect on our relationship with Jesus.

What do each of us treasure in our hearts about our relationship with Jesus? What are the painful moments in our relationship with Jesus? What words of Jesus do we most remember and speak deepest within our hearts? What are the disappointments and joys of this relationship with Jesus? Where does the shadow of sin still cast its darkness over our lives and…where does the light of the resurrection pierce that darkness?

“And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart”.  So do we.

[_{^{gratia tibi. A Promise Kept: A Pictorial Journey of the Coming of Christ from the Bible-Teaching Ministry of Charles R. Swindoll, IFL Publishing House, Frisco, Texas.]}}