MARY, OFFERING HERSELF TO THE LORD
The
Word of God: The presentation at the temple (Lk 2: 22-32)
And
when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they
brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the
law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to
the Lord") and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law
of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." Now there
was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and
devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon
him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see
death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And inspired by the Spirit he came
into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him
according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God
and said, "Lord, now latest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to
thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the
presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory
to thy people Israel."
Meditation
Let
us try to stand as spectators at this event: Mary, Joseph and Jesus, a family
that goes to the temple to offer the child to the Lord. If we wish to translate
this event into our terms, it is a little like a family that prepares to take a
child for baptism. We have so often taken part in festivities of this kind.
However, let us try to examine the mother’s heart: she wholeheartedly offers to
God the child to whom she gave birth. Are we capable of imitating her in our
daily life?
Novena
I
know death is something to be considered with joy. After all, it’s reuniting
with You, Lord. But death can be so scary, too. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, you
promised to be especially comforting to those who are dying or who have just
died. I beg you to offer them a last opportunity to follow Christ. Appeal to
them as a merciful Mother. Beg our Lord to give them one last chance. Comfort
the families of all those who are dying. Ease the fears of those who are on the
brink of heaven and earth. Pour your love out on all those who are awaiting
their final fate. Please remember to Our Lord all of my family members and
friends who have died. Please also bring before Him my other intentions: (State
your intentions here)
Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be
Our Lady of
Mount Carmel, pray for us!
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