I. The Annunciation
When the angel Gabriel came to ask Mary to be the mother of Jesus, he knew exactly where to find her. Mary was praying, like she did every night. Prayer was a priority in Mary's life. She didn't just squeeze it in when she had a few extra minutes or quickly rush through it so she could go on to do other things. God came first in Mary's life. Her life of prayer and devotion to God filled her with tremendous graces. Mary was about fourteen years old when she said "yes" to God and His Will to be the Mother of the Messiah. Each of us will be asked to carry out God's will in different ways and at different times in our lives. It may, however, be difficult to accept if we have not spent the time praying to God. We might not recognize His voice. As we reflect on Jesus being conceived in Mary's womb, let us follow Mary's example and be vigilant in prayer so that when the time comes we, too, can give God our "yes".
II. The Visitation
Three days after the Annunciation , the Lord revealed to Mary in a vision that the child Elizabeth had conceived was a son and was to be a great prophet and forerunner of the Messiah. For four days, Mary and Joseph journeyed to her cousin Elizabeth's house. Upon their arrival, the sound of Mary's voice fills Elizabeth with the Holy Spirit and her child leaps for joy in her womb. Mary, too, is filled with joy in her heart as she begins to pray what we now call the Magnificat. Mary exclaims, "My soul depth magnify the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.". When was the last time you allowed your own spirit to rejoice in God your Savior? While you pray this mystery, close your eyes and picture Mary sitting next to you. She is inviting you to rejoice with her. Just look at how radiant Mary is while she prays. With your eyes closed, smile as you pray and allow your heart to be filled with joy.
III. The Birth of our Lord
Again I'm going to invite you to close your eyes and imagine that you are entering into the manger where baby Jesus was just born. Reverently bow before the Holy Family and then slowly come closer to baby Jesus lying in the bed of hay. Look at how tiny and beautiful He is. Now glance at His lovely young mother Mary and her devout and humbled husband Joseph beside her. As you take a look at the Holy Family, ask yourself what could you do to make your own family more holy? As you pray this next decade ask Mary what she would recommend.
IV. The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
According to the Law of Moses, every first born male was to be brought to the Temple to be dedicated to God on the 40th day after their birth. Mary and Joseph in obedience walked the five mile journey to Jerusalem. Mary and Joseph were faithful Jews and knew their religion. How well do you know yours? Would you be described as a faithful Catholic?
Think about it.....
Think about it.....
V. Finding Jesus in the Temple
When Jesus was 12 years old, the Holy Family made their yearly pilgrimage to the Temple. On their way back to Nazareth, Jesus secretly withdrew from his parents. Jesus spent the next 3 days answering the questions of the scribes in the Temple. Meanwhile during these 3 days, Mary and Joseph desperately searched for Jesus. This was a time of great sorrow and suffering for both of them. During this mystery let us consider that even during our times of suffering and trials, God's Will is being done. Though we might feel frustrated and exhausted, God has a plan for us. We may not understand it because we can't always see the big picture. Often God challenges us to become something more. We must seek the Truth with humble and loving hearts, eyes that are open to the needs of those around us, and arms that are willing to serve. It is through our constant prayers, obedience and our search for holiness that we will find Jesus waiting for us at the church smiling with His arms extended and eager to embrace us with His love and grace.
-Susan
