“Worship we our Jesus… Through our hearts may His love shine.”

Merry Christmas to all! May your hearts and homes be filled with love and peace.

On this feastday of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, and the fourth anniversary of this blog, I would like to thank Our Lady for all she has done for me.  I ask for her continued protection and aid — for all I may do here, for myself, my family and everyone who may come here to learn more about our Mother, about consecration to her, or for prayer, support and encouragement.

SHORT PRAYER ON THE PRESENTATION OF MARY

Heavenly Father, the Blessed Virgin Mary was dedicated to You by her parents when she was three. In the temple, she joined the girls who spent their days praying, reading Scripture, and serving the temple priests. Her holiness was very evident, and the high priest thought that You probably had great plans for her. I ask Mary to pray for the plans You have for my life. Where I have strayed onto a road of my own choosing, give me her hand to guide me back to where You want me. Where I need to wait for a new plan to begin, give me the grace to remain patient and say, “Your will be done.” Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for me. Amen.

[This prayer was found at the website of Saint Michael Center]

[Artwork:  The artist was known as "Meister des Marienlebens" (the Master of the Life of the Virgin), working circa 1463-1490]

One cannot help but notice that in the painting, those gathered around the temple steps have removed their eyes from Mary. They are focused either on another event, two puppies playing, or looking around to see what other people’s responses are to that event. In reality, we know that this is a heartrending moment for Saints Anne and Joachim, and as parents, many of us know that we wouldn’t have taken our eyes off that child until she was no longer in sight, and even then, we probably would have been running around the temple walls, tears in our eyes, trying to catch a final glimpse of her through the windows.

I’m sure the artist knew that too, and wasn’t disparaging Saints Anne or Joachim, or Mary’s family and friends as they gathered near the temple steps to give Mary over to her new life. He created a scene which is so far removed from how we know in reality Mary’s loving parents would have been acting that it captures our attention and causes us to reflect.

How easily we are distracted from what is truly important. How easily we turn our focus to the events around us, and to individual or global reactions to those events. Mary is our Mother, daily leading us to Jesus, to the Holy Spirit, and helping us to know the heart of the Father. How often will she have to turn her head and look back, to see if we are still watching her, still near her, still focusing our eyes and hearts on her?

In these turbulent times – when the world’s economy, outbreaks of violence, natural disasters and the daily challenges in all of our lives threaten to overwhelm our peace of mind and leave us floundering, immobile or heading towards despair – let us take to heart the words of St. Bernard of Clairvaux:

In danger, anguish, or doubt,
think of Mary and call upon her.
Let the name of Mary
never be far from your lips or heart.
And to obtain the fruit of her prayers,
do not forget the example of her life.
Following Mary,
you will never lose your way.
Praying to her,
you will never sink into despair.
Contemplating Mary,
you will never go wrong.
With Mary’s support,
you will never fall.
Beneath her protection,
you will never fear.
Under her guidance,
you will never tire.
And with her help,
you will reach your heavenly goal.

I will be offline until the first week of September [comments will be closed until then]. Be safe. Be strong. Stay under Her mantle, dear ones.

[St. Bernard's words were excerpted from: Favorite Prayers to Our Lady, Anthony M. Buono]