January 1, 2018: Mary Holy Mother of God
January 1, 2018: Mary Holy Mother of God
Have you had a time in your life when you needed your mother the most? A young accomplished musician was going through a rather difficult time in his life. When he was a teenager, his family was not well-off. His mom and dad both worked late into evenings. His mom was a nurse, and she would come home at night and cook. There was not much time for each other, but she was a very comforting presence in his life. His mother died unexpectedly when he was only 14-years old. Twelve years later, the young man had a deep longing for the presence of his mother. By the grace of God, his mother appeared to him in a dream and gave him three words of assurance. That encounter, with the comforting presence of his mother, inspired him to write a song that would honor not only his earthly mother but his heavenly Mother as well.
As we experience tragedies that shake us to our very core, situations that stop us in our tracks, or interruptions that change the course of our life forever, our faith guides us to put our complete faith and trust in God even though we may not understand the situation. Our faith inspires us to imitate Blessed Mother’s response to such situations. In today’s gospel, Blessed Mother was paid a visit by a group of shepherds who spoke about their magnificent encounter with an angel. The angel proclaimed the birth of Jesus and sent them to adore the child. Pope Francis beautifully said, “In Mary, the eternal Word not only became flesh, but also learned to recognize the maternal tenderness of God. With Mary, the God-Child learned to listen to the yearnings, the troubles, the joys and the hopes of the people of the promise. With Mary, he discovered himself a Son of God’s faithful people.”
Blessed Mother prayerfully kept the events in her heart; not questioning God, but praying in faith. Her response nine months earlier to Archangel Gabriel’s message at the Annunciation was similar. She responded with humility and trust when she replied, “Let it be done to me according to your word.”
When the mother of the young musician appeared to him in a dream, she gave him encouragement with just three words which echoed Blessed Mother’s prayer of FIAT. Many people would be surprised to know that this story is about Paul McCartney of the Beatles and his song, “Let it be.” As we joyfully greet the New Year, we too ask Blessed Mother for the grace to say to God, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” It is a simple, but a powerful prayer of hope and trust in God.
When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom
"Let it be"
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom
"Let it be"
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be
Have you had a time in your life when you needed your mother the most? A young accomplished musician was going through a rather difficult time in his life. When he was a teenager, his family was not well-off. His mom and dad both worked late into evenings. His mom was a nurse, and she would come home at night and cook. There was not much time for each other, but she was a very comforting presence in his life. His mother died unexpectedly when he was only 14-years old. Twelve years later, the young man had a deep longing for the presence of his mother. By the grace of God, his mother appeared to him in a dream and gave him three words of assurance. That encounter, with the comforting presence of his mother, inspired him to write a song that would honor not only his earthly mother but his heavenly Mother as well.As we experience tragedies that shake us to our very core, situations that stop us in our tracks, or interruptions that change the course of our life forever, our faith guides us to put our complete faith and trust in God even though we may not understand the situation. Our faith inspires us to imitate Blessed Mother’s response to such situations. In today’s gospel, Blessed Mother was paid a visit by a group of shepherds who spoke about their magnificent encounter with an angel. The angel proclaimed the birth of Jesus and sent them to adore the child. Pope Francis beautifully said, “In Mary, the eternal Word not only became flesh, but also learned to recognize the maternal tenderness of God. With Mary, the God-Child learned to listen to the yearnings, the troubles, the joys and the hopes of the people of the promise. With Mary, he discovered himself a Son of God’s faithful people.”
Blessed Mother prayerfully kept the events in her heart; not questioning God, but praying in faith. Her response nine months earlier to Archangel Gabriel’s message at the Annunciation was similar. She responded with humility and trust when she replied, “Let it be done to me according to your word.”
When the mother of the young musician appeared to him in a dream, she gave him encouragement with just three words which echoed Blessed Mother’s prayer of FIAT. Many people would be surprised to know that this story is about Paul McCartney of the Beatles and his song, “Let it be.” As we joyfully greet the New Year, we too ask Blessed Mother for the grace to say to God, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” It is a simple, but a powerful prayer of hope and trust in God.
When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom
"Let it be"
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom
"Let it be"
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be
