Mary, Mother of God

1/1/2020

Step #1: Lectio / Read

Click the link below or open your Bible to the passage and read through the reading at least once, paying attention to what is happening in the text.

LUKE 2:16-21

Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

Blessed New Year everyone!

Today we are celebrating the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Holy Mother of God. It is right and pleasing to dedicate this first day of the calendar year to Her who is our life, our sweetness and our hope. Mary is the Mother of God simply because she is the mother of Jesus. Jesus, the fullness of divinity and the only Begotten Son of God and Mary, the fullness of humanity because she was full of grace embody for us what it means to be a human being, fully alive.

Today, we honor this lady and mother. The Gospel for today tells us, "Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart." By keeping all things and by reflecting does not mean a passive escaping from reality, no. Mary was far from being a passive spectator in the life of Jesus. To reflect is to prayerfully submit one's thoughts, memories, imagination and will to God. Mary, reflected all things which means she surrendered everything to God.

To reflect or to meditate is to give one's faculties, our intellect, our imagination, our memories, our will for the glory of God so that God may transform them. Mary was able to be active participant in the saving actions of Jesus and endure even the most dangerous threats of standing beneath the cross of her Son because she was totally given to God.

As we honor her as Mother of God, we claim her as our Mother as well, given to us from the Cross. Let us honor her then by doing what she did. Let us always and everywhere reflect and ponder everything as Mary did.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Step #3: Oratio / Pray

These questions are to be used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart as you pray today.

God has worked many wonders in your life. What wonders did He work just in the last year? Reflect on them in your heart.

What fears or anxieties do you have this year? Take them to the Lord.

Mary totally gave everything to the Lord and it gave her the strength for all to come. What do you need to give to the Lord?

Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

In this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord.

"Mary, Mother of God, pray for us."

"Pondered them in her heart."

"I give you all Lord."

Step #5: Actio / Act

In light of today's reading and your time spent in prayer with the Lord, what concrete action or actions will you take to let this encounter with the Lord bear fruit in you today?

Today, pray the memorare and slowly reflect and ponder each word in your heart.

Smartphone Lock Screen

The following image is here for you to save and use as a background or lock screen on your smartphone or device to help you carry today's Lectio Divina with you the rest of the day.

Today's prayer was prepared by Fr. Ervin Caliente, priest of the Diocese of Rockford.

If you have anything you'd like our team to pray for, please go to the page of our website called "Prayers" and let us know how we can pray for you today.

CARPE VERBUM