At the beginning of 2012, the Church presents to us Mother Mary, the Woman through whom the Son who makes us Children of God is born. Read the following articles and use the rest of the page as your reflection guide:
- Workshop: Solemnity of Mary's Motherhood (2012)
- Mag-aral Tayo Ang Pagsilang ng Sanggol ni Maria (Lukas 2:1-21)
- Bibliya Tagala Ang Pagsilang ng Cristo (Lukas 2:1-21)
1. The Name "Jesus". Eight days after the birth of a male infant, he is circumcised and he is named, marking his official insertion into the Chosen People. Thus, eight days after his brith, Jesus legally and officially becomes "Jesus son of Joseph, of the house of David and of tribe of Judah, son of Israel." It is the father who gives the name. In the Lucan narrative, the evangelist makes it clear that the name given to Jesus was the name given before his conception by the angel. The name of Jesus comes from heaven, through the mouth of an angel from God the Father's heart. That name means "Salvation", for as Luke writes: Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
Activity: Listen to the following song and use it to reflect on the meaning of Jesus' name
2. Mary Meditates. The shepherds tell Mary and Joseph about the message they received from the angels. Mary already knew from the angel Gabriel the identity of the child she has given birth to. But she still listened to the message of the shepherds. She who has the bearer of Good News to Elizabeth, now is the recipient of the Good News from the shepherds. Even the evangelizer needs to be evangelized.
Reflect: But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart (Luke 2:19). Mary put what she heard into her memory, understanding how these were related to the things she already knows.
- How attentive are you to the Gospel readings at mass?
- How do you try to deepen your understanding of the Good News of salvation proclaimed to you?
3. The Beginning of the Civil Year. January 1 2012 may just be another date on the calendar. But from the point of view of faith, it can be a kairos a fulness of time. It can become the beginning of a deepening relationship with God. The Church puts forward the motherhood of Mary and the Name of Jesus. Mary is the woman through the Son who made us sons of God is born.
Reflect: At the beginning of the year 2012, Mary presents to us her Child, the Light of Humanity, the one who reveals to us the path we should walk on. The Son, through whom and in whom all the good things that God wishes us to receive is given.
How do you propose to make God's gift to you your own?
