MARY, PONDERING MOTHER
The Word of God: The Visit of the Magi (Mt 2: 1-12)
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the King, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him." When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet: 'And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel.'"
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star appeared; and he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." When they had heard the king they went their way; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country in another way.
Meditation
What would Mary and Joseph have thought when they saw these mysterious men coming from afar to see their little Jesus? And yet, the Son of God became man for all, also for these people who came from "afar". Mary immediately understands and shows Jesus to them too. Mary is the true contemplative, that is, the one who can see reality with the eyes of God. Are we contemplatives? Do we see reality with the eyes of God? Are we capable of giving Jesus to those we meet, those we know and those we don't know, our co-citizens and strangers, rich and poor?
Novena
God, thank You for the gift of Your Mother. She gives us such a remarkable example of perfect love and faith! What a role model we are blessed to have in her. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, people sometimes struggle with their relationship with you. They believe that honouring you is like giving worship to God. Yet, your example of love can be so powerful and relatable. Sometimes, it is hard to relate to Jesus. He is so perfect and divine that it can be intimidating to approach Him. Yet, you were a mother. You were a daughter. You were a simple person, whose life was suddenly turned upside by God’s plan. I can relate to that feeling. Our Lady, please bring me closer to you, and thus closer to Jesus, through this novena. Please aid the understanding of all who struggle with their relationship with you. Please comfort me in your motherly embrace. And please bring my intentions before your Son, especially…(State your intentions here)
Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us!
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