Within the octave of Christmas, we celebrate the solemnity of the Holy Family and see in Joseph and Mary according to the account of Matthew, the appropriate human response of total compliance to the divine plan and instructions pertaining to the child Jesus. Thereafter, and still within the Christmas season and into the New Year, Mary the Mother of God is presented to us according to the account of Luke as our model in Christian discipleship (Luke 2:16-21).
A Mother’s heart
The Nativity scene by Luke distinctly presents the reactions of three different participants. The prominent characters of the birth scene are the shepherds who went in haste to Bethlehem and found the angelic sign verified: the infant Messiah wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. They glorified and praised God for all they have seen and heard (2:17, 20), symbolizing that portion of Israel that at last recognizes Jesus as the Christ. Second, the group of hearers who were astonished, but merely astonished, at what the shepherds reported angels told them regarding the Child (2:18). In their normal astonishment which does not lead to faith, these hearers resemble those in the Lucan parable of the seed who “hear the word, receive it with joy but have no root” (8:13). The third participant in the scene is no other than Mary who “kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart” (2:19).
In the Parable of the Seed, Mary exemplifies those “who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart” (8:15). Keeping events in one’s heart with concern means attempting to interpret and to discover the hidden meaning of marvelous happenings. Mary, as the only one in Luke’s infancy narrative who would last into the public ministry of Jesus and even into the life of the early Church on Pentecost, must have sought to interpret the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. Pondering and treasuring these events in her heart (2:51), she would become the model for believers. Jesus, Himself would later laudably refer to faith like hers (8:21; 11:28), hearing God’s word and acting according to it. As a disciple, Mary bridges the gap between Israel and the Church. She is the inspiration of all to constantly reflect on the truths of our faith and to have fidelity to the practices of our faith.
In the name of her Son
The gospel text, after giving
fleeting attention to the circumcision of Jesus, focuses on His naming. The
circumcision of the child on the eight day is prescribed by the Law in the
preamble to the “purification” of the mother which was to take place after 33
days (Leviticus 12:3-4). Jesus is given the name announced by the angel
even before Mary conceived him in her womb. The name tells who he is, what his
mission is and his power is the power of salvation. “God saves” through Jesus.
In His Name, His disciples would later be sent out to expel demons and work
miracles (10:17). Even some who were not among His disciples would do,
likewise, and Jesus insisted that they not be deterred (9:49-50). To say
“Jesus” is to be open to salvation, as experienced by the man condemned to
death who said, “Jesus, remember me when You enter upon Your reign,” and who
received from Jesus the reply, “I
assure you: this day, you will be with Me in paradise” (23:39-43).
Like any mother, Mary must have wondered what her Son would become, although she knew that He would be great, be called Son of the Most High, that the Lord would give Him the throne of David his father, that he would reign over the house of Jacob forever, and that his reign would be without end (1:32-33). How? She was not told. She was content to be His mother, saying “I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say” (1:38). Elizabeth’s exclamation expresses all that we can say to the Mother of God, “Blest are you among women” (1:42). The humble servant of the Lord elevated by the grace of God to an incomparable majesty because she brought into the world the one called Jesus, “God saves”, the bringer of peace.
Alalaong baga, in the New Year, our prayers resonate with the angels’ wish “on Earth peace to those on whom His favor rests” (1:14), for peace is our inheritance in Jesus borne of Mary in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Mother of God holding all things in her heart inspires us to a clearer focus on God’s presence in our human affairs, willing to be a new creation on the pathways of charity, justice and peace.
Join me in meditating on the Word of God every Sunday, from 5 to 6 a.m. on DWIZ 882, or by audio streaming on www.dwiz882.com.