Mary, Gift for All
Gospel reflection: Luke 1:26-38 or vv. 39-47
Today’s Gospel: Luke 1:26-38 or vv. 39-47
The Gospel today is a choice between either the annunciation or the visitation; both share the joy-filled story of Mary’s great encounter with God and her living it out.
As a catechist-guide alongside young children, these two stories spark such delight for me as well as for children. Children often wonder at the marvel of the angel conveying such marvelous news to Mary, or the holy Spirit overshadowing her, or that Elizabeth knew Mary was expecting, or that Elizabeth’s baby knew that Jesus was near. The one thing consistent in these presentations of Mary to us: she is gift.
There are so many gifts to contemplate in these readings; in a secondary way it makes them even more fitting for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Who is Mary but a wonderful gift to us as she was to Juan Diego? On the cross, Jesus said to the disciple, “Here is your mother,” (Jn. 19:27) and from this we know that she for us as our own mother from God himself. God desires us to know the gift of Mary.
She was blessed to receive the gift of the immaculate conception through which salvation has come. Her righteousness by Christ has enabled her to participate in God’s plan for all time. She has shown us how true his promise is: we now have eternal life with God and continue to participate in his holy will for all eternity.
Jesus’ gift of salvation gives us a share in that same righteousness - we too can make our lives an offering to God. Heaven isn’t meant only to be experienced after we die, but its beginnings are right here and now. And when the day comes when we pass from this life, we can look forward to continuing the work of God’s plan, just as Mary continues to do.
Let nothing stand in the way for us to call on her aide. She brings tidings of joy such as in her visit to Elizabeth, she is concerned for all her children as she was for Jesus when he was missing and the bride and bridegroom at the wedding. She holds us tight in our sorrow and invites us to come to the foot of the cross with her, binding our sorrow with hers, and gently lays them down to the only One who can carry them.
Truly our loving Mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.
Such a beautiful tribute Jane, the last paragraph especially moving...