MARY

PRAYER MOMENT

Thursday 21 November 2013

MARY

Pause.  “It is in silence that we shall hear a voice deep within us speaking to our nobler selves, calling us to high ideals and generous instincts.” (Basil Hume)

Reading. “Everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds had to say. As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:15-19)

Reflection. In the year 431 the Church held a Council at Ephesus which is noted for its declaration that it is correct and good to call Mary, “Mother of God.” Some were shocked but soon there was universal acceptance of the title and celebrations were held and churches built in her honour. Today honours her Presentation as a young girl in the temple and recalls that she herself was the living temple of the Child that was to be born into our world. She “pondered in her heart” all the events she had witnessed and her own part in them. She shows us how to penetrate into these astonishing events and allow them to open up our own hearts to receive the Word and become “living temples.” Those of us who live in Zimbabwe celebrate with the Presentation sisters today especially in that their founder, Nano Nagle, has just been honoured by the Church with the title of “Venerable.”  

Prayer. Lord Jesus, teach us to ponder “these things” with your Mother Mary and so become imbued with your life giving Spirit.  Amen.