Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God and The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord

Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. 

Imagine Mary cradling her newborn baby in her arms, thanking God for her beautiful child and thinking about what life will be like as a new mom.   Suddenly shepherds from the fields show up at her door and tell her and Joseph about angelic visitors rejoicing over her son’s birth.   What do think Mary might have been thinking and feeling at that moment?

Well, we know how we would feel!   Wonder and awe, of course, but probably also a good amount of fear and self-doubt.   We might even have a meltdown as we worry that we might not be up to the task of raising such a special child.

Mary must have known that life as the mother of Jesus would be filled with challenges.   There was no road map she could follow.   But instead of reacting with fear or anxiety, she “kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).

Mary’s habit of reflecting on and pondering the events in her life served her well.   By taking the time to bring her concerns to God in prayer, she could be calmer and more deliberate in how she approached each new situation.   That enabled her to be the kind of strong, loving, and stable motherly presence that Jesus needed to fulfill his own mission of salvation.

We will certainly face new situations and challenges this new year that may tempt us to react with fear, anger, or self-doubt.   Yet how different would our reactions be to such events if we took the time to reflect on them first!   Chances are we would be gentler and kinder in the way we respond to people, more patient in dealing with our difficulties, and more able to offer wisdom to those who need it.

So start the new year by following Mary’s example.   Ask her to help you reflect before you react.   Remember, she is your mother, and she is always ready to offer you her love and her prayers.

“Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for me to become more like you.”

Numbers 6:22-27
Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8
Galatians 4:4-7

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