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.
REFLECTION
And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.
The greetings have gone from Merry Christmas to now Happy New Year! As we set out returning gifts, putting our house back to order and watching our waistlines, it is very important not to forget the daily spirit of Christmas and the significance this great feast of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God plays in our lives.
For some of us it can be a vow to be better; perhaps, less ill tempered, ill thinking, ill speaking, ill humored and less selfish. From experience the energy level is there, trying our best to be the best but eventually falling back to our old habits and ways. Our thoughts drift off to the next New Year, the next promises made.
This year our resolve should be not our will or our strength in keeping promises but living with the Holy Spirit guiding us through contrition for our faults and sins committed over the last year. Never losing heart, but determined to have a disciplined outlook in our well doing, may we gather ourselves at the feet of Mary, watching her, imitating her and reflecting all that can be accomplished by us if we grab the opportunity and do good to all men. It is all through the example of Mary, who after all, raised Jesus, the Son of God.
Mary is the source of new strength on how to serve Jesus. We come with a need for forgiveness and ask for the ability to see Jesus as He passes by us. And our Mother will hear our prayers and answer us.
I would like to thank Blessed Carlo Acutis for his help. For 6 days I have not been able to connect to the internet. Giving up hope, I decided to try one more time. This time, not relying on my abilities, I asked Blessed Carlo Acutis for his assistance. No sooner was my prayer finished that the problem was found and we could celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of the Incarnate Word, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.
Happy New Year, my friends, and may we all have a prosperous new year.
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