God's Word for The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.

 I am the Way, the Truth and the Life
 

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
 January 1st 2012
Numbers 6:22-27. Psalm 66:2-3.5.6.8. Rv.2. Gal. 4:4-7. Luke 2:16-21

They are to call down my name on the sons of Israel and I will bless them.

O God, be gracious and bless us.

God sent his son, born of a woman, to enable us to be adopted as sons.

Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Gospel Lk 2:16-21

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph,
and the infant lying in the manger.
When they saw this,
they made known the message
that had been told them about this child.
All who heard it were amazed
by what had been told them by the shepherds.
And Mary kept all these things,
reflecting on them in her heart.
Then the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen,
just as it had been told to them.

When eight days were completed for his circumcision,
he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel
before he was conceived in the womb.

Can you dare to let go?

The Greeks in their dramas had what they called ‘deus ex machina’ – the god of the machine. When things were going too bad for the hero, then suddenly a god would descend onto the stage and save him. He would then ascend again and the hero could again be hero!

Do we not often try to use God in a similar way? We know what we want: good health, a satisfactory income, a spouse who cares, children who love and are responsible, friends and so the list goes on. We manage most of the time, but then we have a problem: health, family, job. So we turn to God beseeching him to give us back what we had!

What we need to know is that God isn’t around just when things go wrong. He is there all the time. He is not on a mountain top, shrine or temple. He is right there with you and in you. You yourself are his temple. He makes his home in you. His blessings are assured. That is why he made you, to bless you day by day, to smile on you and protect you. You can’t get away from him (Ps 139). He loves you and will not leave you! He fell for you before ever he created you.

Your ego is your problem. Drop it, and with it your own agenda, your plans, your desires. Dare to surrender to Love. Allow yourself to relax in his arms, as a child in its mother’s lap. Allow him to lead you. Day by day spend time in silence with him, sitting alone in him. Be carried by him. Be taught by him. He will open your eyes so that you can see.

Jesus is our model. He was born of a woman, subject to the Law. He didn’t have a charmed life. Conceived, born, suckled and nurtured. He was subject to the human condition: he was hemmed in, felt love, met opposition, was misunderstood by so many, appreciated by so few. He shared our life and our death. He wants you to share his life now.

In the secret of your heart, with Mary, treasure and ponder on the wonder of your being (Ps.139:14), that God is within you, with the smile of his face shining on you. He wants to reveal himself to you, have you call him ‘Abba’ – Dad, here I am.

Why harden your heart? Maybe it sounds too good to be true.  Surrender and see what he will do for you. Don’t be afraid of love.

Father I thank you for the wonder that I am. Jesus is my brother. You are my Father, Abba. May I experience the joy that should be mine.