Luke 2:16-21 To Be Like Mary

Luke 2:16-21 To Be Like Mary

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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)