The Octave of Christmas: Mary, the Mother of God

Study: Consider a time when you had to trust another person.  What helped or hindered you to trust?

Pray: Is there a major decision in your life?  As the Lord for guidance and direction.

Serve: Do you know someone who is searching for God?  How can you help point them to Jesus?

Mass Readings – Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

This great feast of Mary flows from the heart of the Christmas story.  Jesus, like us in all things except sin, had a mother who reflected on the great events that had happened in her life.  She witnessed how God was at work, and she took time to ponder…even as she held baby Jesus in her arms.

Mary’s trust in the Lord inspires us to turn to God in our need and live the gift of our faith.  Like Mary, we can reflect upon the Lord’s goodness in our own lives and express with gratitude what God has done for us.

What’s more, as Mary brought forth Jesus into the world we, too, can continue Christ’s saving work as we proclaim the Good News today.  Our words and actions can point others to Jesus Christ, directing those in our lives to trust in the Lord’s mercy and love.

May Mary’s example strengthen our faith and empower us to live it with joy.  As we reflect on what God has done in our lives, may we express with gratitude the graces we have received as we put them into practice.