MARY, THE MOTHER WHO PROTECTS US
The Word of God: The birth (Lk 2: 1-20)
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrolment when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn.
And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!"
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child, and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Meditation
Luke, the Evangelist, relates the affectionate and motherly gesture of Mary who wraps little Jesus in swaddling clothes. A gesture made by every mother as a sign of protection and care. We too are wrapped in swaddling clothes by Mary, our Mother and Sister; through the Scapular she looks after us and protects us. She wraps us so that we may grow strong and robust in the school of her Son.
Novena
God, I entreat You to watch over and care for those who are less fortunate than I am. Especially keep in Your care those in third-world countries who do not have enough food, water, or shelter to survive. You saw the needs of God’s people, Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Long before you were even the mother of Christ, the Israelites attributed the ending of the drought as a result of your intercession. Since the beginning of time, you’ve been the advocate of God’s people. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, I ask you now to watch over those who still are poor and suffering today. Fold them in the mantle of your love. Petition Our Lord to save them from their distress. Inspire me and my church to also consider ways we can help the underserved around the world like your Son taught us. Please also keep in mind my intentions that I lay before you now: (State your intentions here)
Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us!
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