The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord
Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
Lectionary: 18
Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
Lectionary: 18
The LORD said to
Moses:
“Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them:
This is how you shall bless the Israelites.
Say to them:
The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!
So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites,
and I will bless them.”
“Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them:
This is how you shall bless the Israelites.
Say to them:
The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!
So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites,
and I will bless them.”
R/ (2a) May God bless us in his mercy.
May God have pity on us and bless us;
may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth;
among all nations, your salvation.
R/ May God bless us in his mercy.
May the nations be glad and exult
because you rule the peoples in equity;
the nations on the earth you guide.
R/ May God bless us in his mercy.
May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you!
May God bless us,
and may all the ends of the earth fear him!
R/ May God bless us in his mercy.
May God have pity on us and bless us;
may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth;
among all nations, your salvation.
R/ May God bless us in his mercy.
May the nations be glad and exult
because you rule the peoples in equity;
the nations on the earth you guide.
R/ May God bless us in his mercy.
May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you!
May God bless us,
and may all the ends of the earth fear him!
R/ May God bless us in his mercy.
Brothers and
sisters:
When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son,
born of a woman, born under the law,
to ransom those under the law,
so that we might receive adoption as sons.
As proof that you are sons,
God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,
crying out, “Abba, Father!”
So you are no longer a slave but a son,
and if a son then also an heir, through God.
When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son,
born of a woman, born under the law,
to ransom those under the law,
so that we might receive adoption as sons.
As proof that you are sons,
God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,
crying out, “Abba, Father!”
So you are no longer a slave but a son,
and if a son then also an heir, through God.
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.
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.
Meditation: "He was called Jesus"
What's the significance of a name? For the Jewish people the
giving of a name had great importance. When a name was given it represented
what that person should be in the future. An unknown name meant that someone
could not be completely known. To not acknowledge someone's name meant both
denial of the person, destruction of their personality, and change in their
destiny. A person's name expressed the reality of his or her being at its
deepest level. A Jewish child was named at the time of circumcision, eight days
after birth. This rite was instituted by God as an outward sign to single out
those who belonged to the chosen people. It was a sign of the covenant that God
made with Abraham and his posterity.
In fulfilment of this precept, Mary's newborn child is given the
name Jesus on the eighth day according to the Jewish custom.
Joseph and Mary gave the name Jesus because that is the name
given by God's messenger before Jesus was conceived in Mary's womb. This name
signifies Jesus' identity and his mission. The literal Hebrew means the
Lord saves. Since God alone can forgive sins, it is God who, in Jesus his
eternal Son made man will save his people from their sins (Matthew
1:21). In the birth and naming of this child we see the wondrous design and
plan of God in giving us a Savior who would bring us grace, mercy, and freedom
from the power of sin and the fear of death. The name Jesus signifies
that the very name of God is present in the person of his Son who became man
for our salvation. Peter the Apostle exclaimed that there is no other
name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved (Acts
2:12). In the name of Jesus demons flee, cripples walk, the blind see, the deaf
hear, and the dead are raised. His name is exalted far above every other name
(Philippians 2:9-11). The name Jesus is at the heart of all
Christian prayer. It is through and in Jesus that we pray to the Father in the
power of the Holy Spirit. Many Christians have died with one word on the lips,
the name of Jesus. Do you exalt the name of Jesus and pray with confidence in
his name?
"Lord Jesus Christ, I exalt your name above every other
name. For in you I have pardon, mercy, grace and victory over sin and death.
You humbled yourself for my sake and for the sake of all sinners by sharing in
our humanity and by dying on the cross. Help me to always praise your holy name
and to live for your greater glory."
 Our Mother Knows the Song of the Angels |
Solemnity of Blessed
Virgin Mary the Mother of God
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Luke 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.
Introductory Prayer: Lord, you are my friend, my Father,
and my protector. I come to you on this new day confident in your presence. I
renew my love for you, trusting in your guiding hand.
Petition: Lord, I want to hear the angels sing. Help
me learn to listen.
1. Sometimes We Need a Little Help: Would
the shepherds have been impressed to find Mary, Joseph, and the child Jesus
if the angels had not explained what was happening? They would have just
thought it was a poor, vagabond family—unimpressive and unassuming like their
own lives as shepherds. Yet the angels opened them to a reality that they
would never have imagined or perceived. In my life God has also sent me
angels who help me discover him: the faith of a parent or grandparent, the
sweet, innocent faith of a child, the good example of a friend, a teacher, a
priest or a nun, the example of our Holy Father. Mary also teaches me to
discover God in her Son. Do I thank God for these angels that he has sent me?
Do I follow their advice and look for Christ in the simple, ordinary
circumstances of my life?
2. Hints of a New Song: In a symphony, the first movement only hints
at the central theme. Mary had first heard this theme from the angel Gabriel.
Now the shepherds take up this theme—the hymn of the angels—and even though
the shepherds play their part with great enthusiasm, it probably makes very
little noise outside the little town of Bethlehem. Yet the song had begun,
and it would grow to a crescendo as Christ lived out his mission. History
unfolds God’s mysterious plan of salvation. I am part of that history, of
that symphony. Do I do my best to continue Mary’s song, God’s song, by living
my commitments and taking part in apostolate?
3. And His Name Shall Be “God Saves”: Mary and Joseph take up the hymn. They
know the secret: this child will save Israel and will save all mankind. They
begin to explain to the world, using an ancient name, Joshua (Yeshua), a name
that now becomes not just a promise but a person. This is God’s new name.
This is Our God: God Saves. He is not merely a God who is the source of
everything. Our God is intimately committed to us, and he puts himself “in
the line of fire” to save us. Man had suspected that God was Creator, and the
Jews had received the surprise of his friendship, but neither Gentile nor Jew
dreamed that God was also this type of love. Do I dare to dream of God’s
goodness? Do I let Christ give me peace and hope in the midst of this
despairing world?
Conversation with Christ: Lord, I have heard something new today. You
remind me this Christmas that it is time for a new song, a song of confidence
and hope. Mary teaches me this song, this good news. I want to bring this
good news more deeply into my life. I know that you are helping me to
discover you more each day. Help me also discover you to others.
Resolution:In Mary’s presence, I will strive to “sing
this new song” (the Christian virtue I have determined to cultivate) today by
making a special effort in one aspect of living this virtue.
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, OCTAVE DAY OF THE
NATIVITY OF THE LORD, SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD, LUKE 2:16-21
(Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 67; Galatians 4:4-7)
(Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 67; Galatians 4:4-7)
KEY VERSE: "And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart" (v 19).
READING: Mary and Joseph obeyed the law of Rome by going to Bethlehem to register for the census. They obeyed the religious law of Israel by having their child circumcised on the eighth day after his birth (Lv 12:3). In this ceremony, the child entered into the life of the Jewish community and received his name: Jesus (Hebrew: Yeshua, "Yahweh saves"). Jesus' mother Mary was the model disciple who received the Word of God with faith, and pondered its meaning in her heart (Lk 2:19). The Church regards Mary as the "new Eve," whose "offspring" Jesus Christ, the one "born of a woman" (Gal 4:4), was destined to defeat the Evil One.
REFLECTING: In what ways will I follow Mary's example of prayer and service in this New Year?
PRAYING: Mary, Mother of God, teach me to ponder within my heart all that God has done for us through Jesus your son.
When did Mary's title "Mother of God" originate?
At the Council of Ephesus in 431 CE, the Church gave Mary the title Theotokos meaning "God-bearer." The Church declared that both Divine and human natures were united in the person of Jesus, the son of Mary. Hence, Mary may be called Theotokos, since the son she bore according to the flesh, Jesus, is truly one of the Divine persons of the Trinity. This Marian title is really a Christological statement, which affirms that the second person of the Trinity, who was born into history as fully human, is really 'God with us'. The tradition reaches to our own day. Vatican II’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church includes Mary’s role in a chapter on the Church, referring to Mary as the “Mother of God” 12 times. Because she cooperated in our redemption by bringing forth God's Son to redeem the world, she was also proclaimed the "Mother of the Church" (Pope Paul VI, 1964). Since Mary conceived Jesus, true man and true God, she is truly the mother of the Incarnate Jesus, and therefore, the Mother of God, and the mother of all who believe in her Son.
NEW YEAR'S DAY
The celebration of the New Year was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4000 years ago. The Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon after the Vernal Equinox (first day of spring). The Romans continued to observe the New Year in late March, but their calendar was tampered with by various emperors so that it was soon out of synchronization with the sun. In order to set the calendar right, Julius Caesar, in 46 BC, established what is known as the Julian calendar, establishing January 1 as the New Year. The tradition of using a baby to signify the New Year was begun in Greece around 600 BC to represent the annual rebirth of the god Dionysus as the spirit of fertility. Although the early Christians denounced the practice as pagan, the popularity of the baby as a symbol of rebirth forced the Church to allow its members to celebrate the New Year with the birth of the baby Jesus. New Year's Day is now observed as the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God by the Catholic Church. January 1 has been celebrated as a holiday by Western nations for only about the past 400 years.
The poet Robert Burns translated the old Scottish dialect "Auld Lang Syne" to mean 'Old Long Ago' in his poem about love and friendship in times past.
Wednesday, January
01, 2014
St. John of Avila
1500-1569
St. John of Avila
1500-1569
Born in the Castile region
of Spain, John was sent at the age of 14 to the University of Salamanca to
study law. He later moved to Alcala, where he studied philosophy and theology
before his ordination as a diocesan priest.
After
John’s parents died and left him as their sole heir to a considerable fortune,
he distributed his money to the poor. In 1527, he traveled to Seville,
hoping to become a missionary inMexico. The archbishop of that city persuaded
him to stay and spread the faith in Andalusia (southwestern Spain). During
nine years of work there, he developed a reputation as an engaging preacher, a
perceptive spiritual director and a wise confessor.
Because
John was not afraid to denounce vice in high places, he was investigated by the
Inquisition but was cleared in 1533. He later worked in Cordoba and then in
Granada, where he organized the University of Baeza, the first of several
colleges run by diocesan priests who dedicated themselves to teaching and
giving spiritual direction to young people.
He
was friends with Sts. Francis Borgia, Ignatius of Loyola, John of God, John of
the Cross, Peter of Alcantara, and Teresa of Avila. John of Avila worked
closely with members of the Society of Jesus and helped their growth within Spain and
its colonies. John’s mystical writings have been translated into several
languages.
He
was beatified in 1894, canonized in 1970, and declared a doctor of the Church
on October 7, 2012.
Comment:
St. John of Avila knew
that the lives of Christians can contradict the Good News of Jesus Christ,
implicitly encouraging Christians to live their faith halfheartedly and causing
obstacles to non-Christians who might accept Baptism. In 16th-century Spain,
those who advocated reforming the Church were often suspected of heresy. St. John
of Avila held his ground and was eventually recognized as a very reliable
teacher about the Christian faith.
Quote:
At the Mass after John
of Avila and Hildegard of Bingen were declared doctors of the Church, Pope
Benedict XVI described him as “a profound export on the sacred Scripture, . . .
gifted with an ardent missionary spirit.” The pope continued: “He knew how to
penetrate in a uniquely profound way the mysteries of the redemption worked by
Christ for humanity. A man of God, he united constant prayer to apostolic
action. He dedicated himself to preaching and to the more frequent practice of
the sacraments, concentrating his commitment on improving the formation of
candidates for the priesthood, of religious and of lay people, with a view to a
fruitful reform of the Church.”
January 1
Mary, Mother of God
Mary, Mother of God
Mary’s divine motherhood broadens the Christmas spotlight. Mary
has an important role to play in the Incarnation of the Second Person of the
Blessed Trinity. She consents to God’s invitation conveyed by the angel (Luke
1:26-38). Elizabeth proclaims: “Most blessed are you among women and blessed is
thefruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the
mother of my Lordshould come to me?” (Luke 1:42-43, emphasis added). Mary’s
role as mother of God places her in a unique position in God’s redemptive plan.
Without
naming Mary, Paul asserts that “God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under
the law” (Galatians 4:4). Paul’s further statement that “God sent the spirit of
his Son into our hearts, crying out ‘Abba, Father!’“ helps us realize that Mary
is mother to all the brothers and sisters of Jesus.
Some
theologians also insist that Mary’s motherhood of Jesus is an important element
in God’s creative plan. God’s “first” thought in creating was Jesus. Jesus, the
incarnate Word, is the one who could give God perfect love and worship on
behalf of all creation. As Jesus was “first” in God’s mind, Mary was “second”
insofar as she was chosen from all eternity to be his mother.
The
precise title “Mother of God” goes back at least to the third or fourth
century. In the Greek form Theotokos (God-bearer), it became
the touchstone of the Church’s teaching about the Incarnation. The Council of
Ephesus in 431 insisted that the holy Fathers were right in calling the holy
virgin Theotokos. At the end of this particular session, crowds of
people marched through the street shouting: “Praised be the Theotokos!”
The tradition reaches to our own day. In its chapter on Mary’s role in the
Church, Vatican II’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church calls
Mary “Mother of God” 12 times.
Comment:
Other themes come together at today’s celebration. It is the Octave of Christmas: Our remembrance of Mary’s divine motherhood injects a further note of Christmas joy. It is a day of prayer for world peace: Mary is the mother of the Prince of Peace. It is the first day of a new year: Mary continues to bring new life to her children—who are also God’s children.
Other themes come together at today’s celebration. It is the Octave of Christmas: Our remembrance of Mary’s divine motherhood injects a further note of Christmas joy. It is a day of prayer for world peace: Mary is the mother of the Prince of Peace. It is the first day of a new year: Mary continues to bring new life to her children—who are also God’s children.
Quote:
“The Blessed Virgin was eternally predestined, in conjunction with the incarnation of the divine Word, to be the Mother of God. By decree of divine Providence, she served on earth as the loving mother of the divine Redeemer, an associate of unique nobility, and the Lord’s humble handmaid. She conceived, brought forth, and nourished Christ” (Vatican II, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, 61).
“The Blessed Virgin was eternally predestined, in conjunction with the incarnation of the divine Word, to be the Mother of God. By decree of divine Providence, she served on earth as the loving mother of the divine Redeemer, an associate of unique nobility, and the Lord’s humble handmaid. She conceived, brought forth, and nourished Christ” (Vatican II, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, 61).
LECTIO DIVINA:
SOLEMNITY OF THE MOTHER OF GOD
Lectio:
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Visit of the Shepherds to Jesus and his Mother
The marginalised are God’s favourites
Luke 2:16-21
The marginalised are God’s favourites
Luke 2:16-21
1. Opening prayer
Lord Jesus, send your Spirit to help us to read the Scriptures with the same mind that you read them to the disciples on the way to Emmaus. In the light of the Word, written in the Bible, you helped them to discover the presence of God in the disturbing events of your sentence and death. Thus, the cross that seemed to be the end of all hope became for them the source of life and of resurrection.
Create in us silence so that we may listen to your voice in Creation and in the Scriptures, in events and in people, above all in the poor and suffering. May your word guide us so that we too, like the two disciples from Emmaus, may experience the force of your resurrection and witness to others that you are alive in our midst as source of fraternity, justice and peace. We ask this of you, Jesus, son of Mary, who revealed to us the Father and sent us your Spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus, send your Spirit to help us to read the Scriptures with the same mind that you read them to the disciples on the way to Emmaus. In the light of the Word, written in the Bible, you helped them to discover the presence of God in the disturbing events of your sentence and death. Thus, the cross that seemed to be the end of all hope became for them the source of life and of resurrection.
Create in us silence so that we may listen to your voice in Creation and in the Scriptures, in events and in people, above all in the poor and suffering. May your word guide us so that we too, like the two disciples from Emmaus, may experience the force of your resurrection and witness to others that you are alive in our midst as source of fraternity, justice and peace. We ask this of you, Jesus, son of Mary, who revealed to us the Father and sent us your Spirit. Amen.
2. Reading
a) A key to the reading:
The reason for Joseph and Mary to go to Bethlehem was the census
imposed by Rome’s emperor (Lk 2:1-7). Periodically, the Roman authorities
decreed these censuses in the various regions of their immense empire. It was a
matter of registering people and knowing how many had to pay taxes. The rich
paid taxes on land and goods. The poor paid for the number of children they
had. Sometimes the tax was more than 50% of a person’s income.
In Luke’s Gospel we note a significant difference between the birth of Jesus and that of John the Baptist. John is born at home, in his land, in the midst of parents and neighbours and is welcomed by all (Lk 1:57-58). Jesus is born unknown, away from his surroundings of family and neighbours and far from his land. “There was no room in the inn.” He had to be left in a manger (Lk 2:7).
Let us try to place and comment on our text (Lk 2:16-21) in the wider context of the visit of the shepherds (Lk 2:8-21). As we read, let us try to pay attention to the following: What surprises do we find and what contrasts appear in this text?
In Luke’s Gospel we note a significant difference between the birth of Jesus and that of John the Baptist. John is born at home, in his land, in the midst of parents and neighbours and is welcomed by all (Lk 1:57-58). Jesus is born unknown, away from his surroundings of family and neighbours and far from his land. “There was no room in the inn.” He had to be left in a manger (Lk 2:7).
Let us try to place and comment on our text (Lk 2:16-21) in the wider context of the visit of the shepherds (Lk 2:8-21). As we read, let us try to pay attention to the following: What surprises do we find and what contrasts appear in this text?
b) A division of the text to help us in our reading:
Luke 2:8-9: The shepherds in the field, the first
persons invited
Luke 2:10-12: The first announcement of the Good News is made to the shepherds
Luke 2:13-14: The praise of the angels
Luke 2:15-18: The shepherds go to Bethlehem and tell of their vision of the angels
Luke 2:19-20: Mary’s attitude and that of the shepherds concerning these events
Luke 2:21: The circumcision of the child Jesus
Luke 2:10-12: The first announcement of the Good News is made to the shepherds
Luke 2:13-14: The praise of the angels
Luke 2:15-18: The shepherds go to Bethlehem and tell of their vision of the angels
Luke 2:19-20: Mary’s attitude and that of the shepherds concerning these events
Luke 2:21: The circumcision of the child Jesus
c) Text:
8 In the countryside close by there were shepherds out in the
fields keeping guard over their sheep during the watches of the night. 9 An
angel of the Lord stood over them and the glory of the Lord shone round them.
They were terrified, 10 but the angel said, 'Do not be afraid. Look, I bring
you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. 11 Today in
the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 And
here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and
lying in a manger.' 13 And all at once with the angel there was a great throng
of the hosts of heaven, praising God with the words: 14 Glory to God in the
highest heaven, and on earth peace for those he favours. 15 Now it happened
that when the angels had gone from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one
another, 'Let us go to Bethlehem and see this event which the Lord has made
known to us.' 16 So they hurried away and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby
lying in the manger. 17 When they saw the child they repeated what they had
been told about him, 18 and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the
shepherds said to them. 19 As for Mary, she treasured all these things and
pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds went back glorifying and
praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as they had been told. 21
When the eighth day came and the child was to be circumcised, they gave him the
name Jesus, the name the angel had given him before his conception.
3. A moment of prayerful silence
so that the Word of God may penetrate and enlighten our life.
4. Some questions
to help us in our personal reflection.
a) What did you like best in this text? Why?
b) What surprises and contrasts do you find in this text?
c) How does the text teach us that the little ones are great in heaven and the poorest on earth?
d) What is Mary’s attitude and that of the shepherds concerning the mystery of God just revealed to them?
e) What is the message Luke wants to communicate to us through these details?
b) What surprises and contrasts do you find in this text?
c) How does the text teach us that the little ones are great in heaven and the poorest on earth?
d) What is Mary’s attitude and that of the shepherds concerning the mystery of God just revealed to them?
e) What is the message Luke wants to communicate to us through these details?
5. For those who wish to go deeper into the theme
a) The context of then and of today:
The text of the feast of the Mother of God (Lk 2:16-21) is part
of the broader description of the birth of Jesus (Lk 2,1-7) and of the visit of
the shepherds (Lk 2:8-21). The angel had announced the birth of the Saviour and
gave a sign of recognition: “You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes
and lying in a manger!” They were expecting the Saviour of a whole people and
they were to recognise him in a newborn child, poor, who lies close to two
animals! What a great surprise!
God’s plan is fulfilled in an unexpected way, full of surprise. This happens today too. A poor child is the Saviour of the people! Can you believe this?
God’s plan is fulfilled in an unexpected way, full of surprise. This happens today too. A poor child is the Saviour of the people! Can you believe this?
b) A commentary on the text:
Luke 2:8-9: The first invited persons
The shepherds were marginalised people, not greatly appreciated. They lived together with the animals, separate from the rest of humanity. Because of their constant contact with animals, they were considered impure. No one would have ever invited them to visit a newly born baby. But it is precisely to these shepherds that the Angel of the Lord appears to pass on the great news of the birth of Jesus. Seeing the vision of the angels, they are full of fear.
The shepherds were marginalised people, not greatly appreciated. They lived together with the animals, separate from the rest of humanity. Because of their constant contact with animals, they were considered impure. No one would have ever invited them to visit a newly born baby. But it is precisely to these shepherds that the Angel of the Lord appears to pass on the great news of the birth of Jesus. Seeing the vision of the angels, they are full of fear.
Luke 2:10-12: The first announcement of the Good News
The first thing the angel says is: Do not be afraid! The second is: Joy to be shared by the whole people! The third is: Today! Then the angel gives three names to indicate who Jesus is: Saviour, Christ and Lord! Saviour is the one who frees all people from all ties! The authorities in those days liked to use the title Saviour. They attributed the title of Soter to themselves. Christ meansanointed or messiah. In the Old Testament this was the title given to kings and prophets. It was also the title of the future Messiah who would fulfil the promises made by God to his people. This means that newly born child, who lies in a manger, has come to fulfil the hopes of the people. Lord was the name given to God himself! Here we have the three greatest titles imaginable. From this announcement of the birth of Jesus as Saviour, Christ and Lord, can you imagine anyone with a higher standing? And angel says to you: “Be careful! I give you this sign of recognition: you will meet a child in a manger, in the midst of poor people!” Would you believe him? God’s ways are not our ways!
The first thing the angel says is: Do not be afraid! The second is: Joy to be shared by the whole people! The third is: Today! Then the angel gives three names to indicate who Jesus is: Saviour, Christ and Lord! Saviour is the one who frees all people from all ties! The authorities in those days liked to use the title Saviour. They attributed the title of Soter to themselves. Christ meansanointed or messiah. In the Old Testament this was the title given to kings and prophets. It was also the title of the future Messiah who would fulfil the promises made by God to his people. This means that newly born child, who lies in a manger, has come to fulfil the hopes of the people. Lord was the name given to God himself! Here we have the three greatest titles imaginable. From this announcement of the birth of Jesus as Saviour, Christ and Lord, can you imagine anyone with a higher standing? And angel says to you: “Be careful! I give you this sign of recognition: you will meet a child in a manger, in the midst of poor people!” Would you believe him? God’s ways are not our ways!
Luke 2:13-14: The praise of the angels: Glory to God in
the highest heaven, and on earth peace for those he favours
A multitude of angels appears descending from heaven. It is heaven that bends itself towards the earth. The parts of this verse summarise God’s project, his plan. The first part tells us what happens in the world up there: Glory to God in the highest heaven. The second part tells us what will happen in the world here below: On earth peace for those he favours! If people could experience what it means to be favoured by God, everything would be different and peace would dwell on earth. And this would be to the greater glory of God who dwells in the highest!
A multitude of angels appears descending from heaven. It is heaven that bends itself towards the earth. The parts of this verse summarise God’s project, his plan. The first part tells us what happens in the world up there: Glory to God in the highest heaven. The second part tells us what will happen in the world here below: On earth peace for those he favours! If people could experience what it means to be favoured by God, everything would be different and peace would dwell on earth. And this would be to the greater glory of God who dwells in the highest!
Luke 2:15-18: The shepherds go
to Bethlehem and tell of their vision of the angels
The Word of God is no longer a sound produced by the mouth. It is above all anevent! The shepherds literally say: “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this event which the Lord has made known to us”. In Hebrew, the expression DABAR may mean both word and thing (event), generated by the word. The word of God is a creative force. It fulfils what it says. At creation God said: “Let there be light, and there was light!” (Gen 1:3). The word of the angel to the shepherds is the event of the birth of Jesus.
The Word of God is no longer a sound produced by the mouth. It is above all anevent! The shepherds literally say: “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this event which the Lord has made known to us”. In Hebrew, the expression DABAR may mean both word and thing (event), generated by the word. The word of God is a creative force. It fulfils what it says. At creation God said: “Let there be light, and there was light!” (Gen 1:3). The word of the angel to the shepherds is the event of the birth of Jesus.
Luke 2:19-20: Mary’s attitude and that of the shepherds
concerning these events
Luke immediately adds that, "Mary treasured all these things (events) and pondered them in her heart". These are two ways of perceiving and welcoming the Word of God: (i) The shepherds get up to see the events and verify the sign given by the angel, and then, they go back to their flocks glorifying and praising God for all that they had seen and heard. (ii) Mary, on the other hand, carefully keeps all these events in her mind and meditates on them in her heart. To meditate on things in one’s heart means to ruminate them and throw light on them in the light of the Word of God so as to understand better their full significance for life.
Luke immediately adds that, "Mary treasured all these things (events) and pondered them in her heart". These are two ways of perceiving and welcoming the Word of God: (i) The shepherds get up to see the events and verify the sign given by the angel, and then, they go back to their flocks glorifying and praising God for all that they had seen and heard. (ii) Mary, on the other hand, carefully keeps all these events in her mind and meditates on them in her heart. To meditate on things in one’s heart means to ruminate them and throw light on them in the light of the Word of God so as to understand better their full significance for life.
Luke 2:21: The circumcision and Name of Jesus
According to the norms of the law, the child Jesus is circumcised on the eighth day after his birth (cf. Gen 17:12). Circumcision was a sign of belonging to the people. It gave the person an identity. On such an occasion each child received his name (cf. Lk 1:59-63). The child receives the name of Jesus that had been given him by the angel before his conception. The angel had said to Joseph that the name of the child had to be Jesus “he is the one who is to save his people from their sins” (Mt 1:21). The name of Jesus is the same as Joshua, and means God will save. Another name that will gradually be given to Jesus isChrist, which means Anointed or Messiah. Jesus is the awaited Messiah. A third name is that of Emmanuel, which means God with us (Mt 1:23). The complete name is Jesus Christ Emmanuel!
According to the norms of the law, the child Jesus is circumcised on the eighth day after his birth (cf. Gen 17:12). Circumcision was a sign of belonging to the people. It gave the person an identity. On such an occasion each child received his name (cf. Lk 1:59-63). The child receives the name of Jesus that had been given him by the angel before his conception. The angel had said to Joseph that the name of the child had to be Jesus “he is the one who is to save his people from their sins” (Mt 1:21). The name of Jesus is the same as Joshua, and means God will save. Another name that will gradually be given to Jesus isChrist, which means Anointed or Messiah. Jesus is the awaited Messiah. A third name is that of Emmanuel, which means God with us (Mt 1:23). The complete name is Jesus Christ Emmanuel!
c) Further information:
Mary in Luke’s Gospel
i) The role of the first two chapters of Luke’s Gospel:
These are two rather well known but less deeply understood
chapters. Luke writes them in imitation of the Old Testament. It is as though
these two chapters were the last of the Old Testament so as to open the door
for the coming of the New Testament. In these chapters, Luke creates an
atmosphere of softness and praise. From beginning to end the mercy of God is
sung, God who finally comes to fulfil his promises. Luke shows us how Jesus
fulfils the Old Testament and begins the New Testament. And he does so in
favour of the poor, the anawim, those who knew how to wait for his
coming: Elisabeth, Zachary, Mary, Joseph, Simeon, Anna and the shepherds. That
is why the first two chapters are history but not in the sense that we today
give to history. They were more like a mirror where those, for whom
they were written, the Christians converted from paganism, could discover who
Jesus was and how he had come to fulfil the prophecies of the Old Testament,
satisfying the deepest aspirations of the human heart. These chapters were also
a mirror of the events that were taking place within the communities in Luke’s
time. The communities originating from paganism will be born of the communities
of converted Jews. But these were different. The New did not correspond to what
the Old Testament imagined and expected. It was "the sign of
contradiction" (Lk 2:34), and caused tensions and was the source of much
suffering. In Mary’s attitude, Luke presents a model of how the communities
could react to and persevere in the New.
ii) A key to the reading:
In these two chapters Luke presents Mary as model for the life
of the community. The key is given to us in the episode where the woman in the
crowd praises the mother of Jesus. Jesus modifies the praise and says: “More
blessed still are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Lk 11:27-28).
Herein lies the greatness of Mary. It is in the world where Mary knows how to
relate to the Word of God that the communities contemplate the more correct way
of relating to the Word of God: welcoming it, incarnating it, living it,
deepening it, reflecting on it, giving it birth and making it grow, allowing
oneself to be overpowered by it even when one does not understand it or when
one suffers because of it. This is the vision underlying the two texts of
chapters 1 and 2 of Luke’s Gospel, which speak of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
iii) An application of the key to the texts:
1. Luke 1:26-38:
The Annunciation: "Let it happen to me as you have said!"
Opening one’s self so that the Word of God may be welcomed and incarnated.
The Annunciation: "Let it happen to me as you have said!"
Opening one’s self so that the Word of God may be welcomed and incarnated.
2. Luca 1:39-45:
The Visitation: "Blessed is she who believed!"
Recognising the Word of God in the events of life.
The Visitation: "Blessed is she who believed!"
Recognising the Word of God in the events of life.
3. Luke 1:46-56:
The Magnificat: “The Almighty has done great things for me!”
A subversive and resistance hymn of hope.
The Magnificat: “The Almighty has done great things for me!”
A subversive and resistance hymn of hope.
4. Luke 2:1-20:
The Birth: "She treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
There was no room for them. The marginalised welcome the Word.
The Birth: "She treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
There was no room for them. The marginalised welcome the Word.
5. Luke 2:21-32:
The Presentation: "My eyes have seen the salvation!"
Years of life purify the eyes.
The Presentation: "My eyes have seen the salvation!"
Years of life purify the eyes.
6. Luke 2:33-38:
Simeon and Anna: "A sword will pierce your soul"
Being a Christian means being a sign of contradiction.
Simeon and Anna: "A sword will pierce your soul"
Being a Christian means being a sign of contradiction.
7. Luke 2:39-52:
At twelve years: " Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?"
They did not understand the Word of God addressed to them!
At twelve years: " Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?"
They did not understand the Word of God addressed to them!
iv) The contrasts that stand out in our text:
1. In the darkness of the night a light shines (2:8-9).
2. The world up there, heaven, seems to embrace our world here below (2:13).
3. The greatness of God manifests itself in the weakness of a child (2:7).
4. The glory of God is made present in a manger, close to animals (2:16).
5. Fear is generated by the sudden apparition of an angel and is changed into joy (2:9-10).
6. Those completely marginalised are the first invited (2:8).
7. The shepherds recognise God present in a child (2:20).
2. The world up there, heaven, seems to embrace our world here below (2:13).
3. The greatness of God manifests itself in the weakness of a child (2:7).
4. The glory of God is made present in a manger, close to animals (2:16).
5. Fear is generated by the sudden apparition of an angel and is changed into joy (2:9-10).
6. Those completely marginalised are the first invited (2:8).
7. The shepherds recognise God present in a child (2:20).
6. Praying with the Psalm 23 (22)
“Yahweh is my shepherd!”
Yahweh is my shepherd,
I lack nothing.
In grassy meadows he lets me lie.
By tranquil streams he leads me
to restore my spirit.
He guides me in paths of saving justice as befits his name.
I lack nothing.
In grassy meadows he lets me lie.
By tranquil streams he leads me
to restore my spirit.
He guides me in paths of saving justice as befits his name.
Even were I to walk in a ravine as dark as death
I should fear no danger,
for you are at my side.
Your staff and your crook are there to soothe me.
I should fear no danger,
for you are at my side.
Your staff and your crook are there to soothe me.
You prepare a table for me under the eyes of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup brims over.
Kindness and faithful love pursue me every day of my life.
I make my home in the house of Yahweh for all time to come.
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup brims over.
Kindness and faithful love pursue me every day of my life.
I make my home in the house of Yahweh for all time to come.
7. Final Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank for the word that has enabled us to
understand better the will of the Father. May your Spirit enlighten our actions
and grant us the strength to practice that which your Word has revealed to us.
May we, like Mary, your mother, not only listen to but also practice the Word.
You who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit forever
and ever. Amen.
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