Meditation is an ideal way to pray. Using God's word (Lectio Divina) allows me to hear, listen and reflect on what the Lord wants to say to me - to one of his disciples - just like He did two thousand years ago.
The best time to reflect is at the beginning of the day and for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
Prior to going to sleep, read the Mass readings for the next day and then, in the morning, reflect on the Meditation offered on this website.
I hope these daily meditations allow you to know, love and imitate the Lord in a more meaningful way.
God bless you!


Saturday, January 1, 2011

Luke 2:16-21 To Be Like Mary

Luke 2:16-21 To Be Like Mary

(Click here for readings)

What better role model could we possibly have in our lives than the Mother of our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. In Mary, we find the supreme model - the role model - of redeemed man and woman. What does it mean to live a life of grace? Look at Mary and see. What does it mean to be fully human? Look and see Mary, the woman who could sin but refused to sin. What does it mean to be fully in love with God? Once again, we can look upon Mary who forfeited personal love for The Love that surpasses all other loves. If we wish to live in peace, harmony, confidence and understanding, then look inside the heart of Mary, who kept all turmoil, trials and difficulties in her heart. "May the Lord bless us in his mercy" (Ps. 67:2).

I love Mary because the Son of God loved Mary. The Shepherds loved Mary because the angel of the Lord loved Mary. Joseph loved Mary because his dreams were filled with Mary! We can all love Mary because a Christian is a redeemed man and woman who loves unconditionally and lays down their life for others.

So what did Mary actually do? When the difficult times arrived and temptation abounded; when she no longer felt the presence of God close to her, she kept all things in her heart. In other words, she kept moving forward. Mary knew one thing and one thing alone: God's Will be done!

Mary accomplished here mission: protect the child, raise him up and send him off. How difficult a mission is that! And yet, she accomplished it faithfully because she protected her most valued possession: her faith. She believed. And when she did not understand, she believed even more. So when you are under a lot of pressure, and you feel so much pain, and you are tired of being alone and are ready to give up. Then close your eyes, bend your knees and speak these words: "Into your hands Lord, I commend my spirit. Let it be done to me according to your word, your will."

Be assured, the Lord will take care of the rest. Everything, EVERYTHING, will work out for the best. He will make sure of it.

We have just concluded Advent (a time of reflection), the Christmas octave (a time of redemption), and the past year (a time of renewal). Reflection, Redemption and Renewal. New joys, opportunities and challenges await each and every one of us this year. We can never forget that we were sent into this world to live a life apart (different) from others and to accomplish our God given mission - a rescue mission - an apparent impossible mission to give and to forgive; to reach out where no man would ever dare to reach out, and to shed light where darkness has settled in. "May the Lord bless you and keep you! May the Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! May the Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!" (Nm 6:22-27)

6 comments:

  1. Beautiful meditation, full of hope for this new year. Thank you father.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow! I'll say it backwards: Wow! That was a beautiful meditation Father. What an encouragement in kicking off the New Year. Happy New Years! ZZZZ

    ReplyDelete
  3. Incredible! Thank you so much Father for this meditation!
    I loved the part about Mary holding onto her faith, her most protected possession. And that she believed even when she did not understand. And it was all because she did love the Father so much and just wanted to please Him and do His Will.
    Again, thank you so much for all you do for all of us.
    God Bless, Rose :)

    ReplyDelete
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