So many of us are familiar with Mary's visit to Elizabeth's home before their children were born. One could think about how miraculous it was that John first recognized the Christ Child even before his birth and Elizabeth was pointed toward him by her son, as was John's role.
We could also contemplate Mary as the Theotokos, the God-bearer, chosen by the Father before time, as the passage in Genesis foreshadows Mary and Christ (Gn 3:15).
Perhaps the greatest lesson that can be learned are those of love, humility, faith, and trust that Mary shows in aligning herself with God's will. These virtues are contained in Mary's Magnificat which she proclaims within today's Gospel. These virtues are not for women only, but have been attained by male and female saints alike in their following of Christ. Our Lady is our example in the New Covenant. Let us pray today that not our will, but your will be done, O Lord. Amen.
Showing posts with label Christ Child. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christ Child. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Luke 2:36-40 The Prophetess Anna
In this presentation story following the reception of the Christ Child by Simeon, we meet Anna who also receives the Child and proclaims him to the world. It is argued by some the Simeon and Anna are prophets of the Old Testament representing all of the Jewish people of the Old Covenant waiting for the redeemer. With the reception of the Christ Child, they are accepting and recognizing the Savior and proclaiming him to the world.
Women often enjoy holding babies and seeing the hope and possibility that could come from the child, recognizing the child as a gift from God. Here Anna does not do this. She recognizes not the gift from God, but God himself. How much more the potential this Child in her arms! The One who has been long awaited. How could she not be excited? As one who as received Christ she, like Simeon, cannot but share Him with the world. Isn't it similar to what we are called to do when we receive Christ within the Eucharist? Anna is a Hebrew word that means 'grace'. How fitting then that she is given the grace of God to be his messenger to proclaim Him, to recognize Him, to receive Him, and to love Him?
And the Holy Family? They fulfill the prescriptions of the Law and return home where the child grows in wisdom and strength with "the Lord's favor upon him." It is Jesus' time for quiet growth before the Lord calls him to his vocation. We are each called to a vocation. We see one of Anna's vocations within today's reading. We hear that Joseph and Mary were called to obedience in the Law. What are you being called forth to do today that will grow God's kingdom within and around you?
Women often enjoy holding babies and seeing the hope and possibility that could come from the child, recognizing the child as a gift from God. Here Anna does not do this. She recognizes not the gift from God, but God himself. How much more the potential this Child in her arms! The One who has been long awaited. How could she not be excited? As one who as received Christ she, like Simeon, cannot but share Him with the world. Isn't it similar to what we are called to do when we receive Christ within the Eucharist? Anna is a Hebrew word that means 'grace'. How fitting then that she is given the grace of God to be his messenger to proclaim Him, to recognize Him, to receive Him, and to love Him?
And the Holy Family? They fulfill the prescriptions of the Law and return home where the child grows in wisdom and strength with "the Lord's favor upon him." It is Jesus' time for quiet growth before the Lord calls him to his vocation. We are each called to a vocation. We see one of Anna's vocations within today's reading. We hear that Joseph and Mary were called to obedience in the Law. What are you being called forth to do today that will grow God's kingdom within and around you?
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