Combing the historical significance of the Christmas Nativity with the diversity of cultures and artists that have interpreted it through the ages, "Finding Bethlehem" guides you thoughtful commentaries of theologians and collectors alike, to artist statements and the voices of "behind-thes-scenes" participants in the Festival, the book explores the spiritual and artistic meaning of the Nativity.
given by Fr. Kevin
9/8/11
1st rdg Rom 8:28-30 all things work together for those who love God ,Psalm 13 with delight I rejoice in the Lord; Gospel Mt 1:1-16, 18-23 genealogy/child from the H Sp/God w/ us
Since today’s readings speak so powerfully, allow me to offer a few thoughts to stimulate some further reflection and then sit with you in silence as we make room for God’s Word to draw us to new insight.
Celebrating Mary’s birth is an act of acknowledging God’s saving work, for Mary’s importance to us is in her relationship to Jesus, her cooperation with God’s saving work in Christ. (Mother Theresa of Calcutta was asked about her frequent references to Mary. She responded quite simply: “No Mary, no Jesus.’)
- Are we so in love with God that we become so steeped in prayer that we come to be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit and impregnated by God?
Mary’s unique faith is a rich gift in our monastic vocation. We end each of the hours singing a commendation that expresses our admiration for her and asks her intercession in our behalf and in behalf of humanity.
- Can we, like Guerric of Igny who wrote so beautifully of Mary in his Advent and Christmas sermons, appreciate the desire God has for us to carry ‘God with/and within us’ to others? – to become ‘God-bearers’ with Mary?
The Church through the centuries has been drawn to Mary’s silence, fidelity and humility. Mary suffered because of her love for her Son and became for our sake the mother of a convicted criminal.
- What do I find in myself that resists silence, resists bold fidelity, resists being humble and wants to assert myself, my way, my position? Do my humility and fidelity produce a willingness to embrace suffering for the sake of others without speaking and drawing attention to myself?
Birth is always about newness, about relationship, about what is ‘yet to be’. We celebrate Mary’s birth knowing what God brought about in the larger scope of her life.
- In what manner am I open to the newness God is bringing to me? How do I find myself in relationship to the communion of saints – God’s holy ones – and the community I live with? Am I welcoming what God is using to stretch me into the person of faith God is calling me to be?
For a brief time in silence, with Mary on her birthday, let us welcome God’s overshadowing presence in our hearts, minds and lives.