Archives
May 24, 2010
The Mysteries of Joy
The Annunciation
The Visitation
The Birth of our Lord
The Presentation in the Temple
The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple
SPIRITUALITY
Our Lady will give us a deeper understanding of spirituality through the five Mysteries of Joy.
”Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.”
Matt. 1:18
GABRIEL, going from God to the Virgin Mary, merely exchanged one paradise for another. A sea of grace, Mary’s soul, almost without shore, depth, horizon. So blessed was she - “The limits of the Infinite,” one Church Father called her - that even the Lord God would become incarnate in her. The Virgin Mary, bright diamond set in the ring of all humanity, engaging heaven to earth.
But God is more mindful of His mercy than of His dignity. In every soul, the Blessed Trinity dwells, as truly, as in heaven, though unseen. I am not always near a church, but always I can pray to God in my soul.
II. THE VISITATION
”Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”
Luke 1:45
ELIZABETH was with child in her old age - and even the townsfolk didn’t know. According to Jewish custom, Elizabeth “secluded herself for five months”; and Zachary had been struck dumb for his doubting! The secret was, gratifyingly, all theirs. So they thought, until Mary came from Nazareth to congratulate them. But Mary’s own secret must be given in exchange. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth cried out, “Why should I be honored with a visit from the Mother of my Lord?”
By the light of the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth knew that Jesus was in Mary. Like Elizabeth, I can develop the habit of seeing Christ in my neighbor - a vital part of true Christian living. Prayerful devotion to the Holy Spirit, “the Spirit of Jesus,” is the key.
III. THE BIRTH OF OUR LORD
”So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph and the infant lying in the manger.”
Like 2:16
THE fullness of time. The Mother of God held the fruit of her womb wrapped in swaddling clothes - her arms filled with the harvest of her body. But this was not an autumn, not a completion, not the final brush stroke on a masterpiece. It was spring, the beginning of new things, the first unpretentious line across a canvas. Jesus had come to grow in wisdom, age and strength, to teach, to redeem, and finally to sanctify those He had saved with His Spirit.
The Holy Spirit living in my soul is the ultimate purpose of Christmas. Bethlehem looked forward - to me.
IV. THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE
”Now, master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word.”
Luke 2:29
SIMEON stood in the shadow of the temple gate, dim eyes dancing with expectation. He should have died long ago, this bearded ancient. But hope had tethered his soul; God had promised him sight of the Christ. Crowds passed him by; then he saw Joseph, and Mary holding Jesus. Common folk they were and the child like any other - as common as bread and wine. But Simeon stepped forward into the sunlight; his eyes had seen his salvation.
The Holy Spirit led Simeon to the temple and showed him God as a Child. My faith, too, is God’s doing. God will lead me to see Jesus in others.
V. THE FINDING OF THE CHILD JESUS IN THE TEMPLE
”And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God.”
Luke 2:52
JESUS loved Mary and Joseph as only a Son who is God can love. Yet, without telling, He stayed behind in Jerusalem as they set out for Nazareth. He did not wish to hurt them, but it was “His Father’s business.” And so, Jesus remained in the temple, where Jesus felt God called him to stay.
Courage to do what God wants, whatever others may think - I need that every hour of the day. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit in my soul. Constant praying to Him will give me strength to do God’s will perfectly.