SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD
Luke 2:16–21
Reflect
The Son of God took on human flesh and entered our world through the womb of a woman, the Blessed Virgin Mary. As Saint Augustine eloquently puts it, “Him whom the heavens cannot contain, the womb of one woman bore.” God, the Word through whom all things are made, entered our world, born of a woman, like all of us. Chosen by God to bear and nurture the Son of God, who would give himself as the bread of life for all, Mary ruled our Ruler. She is the mother of the King of Kings. In doing so, she was the first to know and live by Christ’s peace. She kept, by God’s grace, this peace interiorly, and it was a guide and consolation in the dark moments of Christ’s passion. We, too, can, like the Virgin Mary, know and live by this peace.
Pray
Loving Mother, may we be guided by your example in contemplating the face of Jesus, our true peace. Provide us with strength and guidance throughout this new year. Amen.
Live
Spend some time reflecting on a favorite image of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child. If you don’t have one, visit an art museum in person or online to discover a medieval or Renaissance masterpiece.
