Devotional Thoughts for the feast of glorificationion of St. Mary, Mother of God. 26th Dec 2012
Devotional Thoughts for the feast of glorificationion of St. Mary, Mother of God. 26th Dec 2012
Reading: From the Gospel according to St. Luke 8: 16 – 21
Dear and Respected Brethren,
The Holy Church has separated Dec 26th as the feast day for the glorification of St. Mary, Mother of God. It is to be doubted whether the day get the due attention and devotion of the faithful as the day is followed by the celebrations of Christmas, Today’s reading gives the answer to the question why St. Mary is to be revered on a separate day with the feast of glorification.
In verse 21 we read, “My mother and my Brethren are these which hear the word of God and do it.” Actually this was the reply to the people who reminded Him of the presence of St. Mary and His brethren who were anxiously waiting to meet Him. We might wonder why our Lord said so if we do not realize what our Lord meant. In fact it was a great certificate for St. Mary and those who came there with her. When one might go through this Biblical portion, without the needy mind to understand what our Lord meant and desired might interpret that our Lord was not respecting His mother, where as He was telling that all that that might do the will of God would only be honored or revered by Him. But the truth is that our Lord never wanted to belittle His mother. It is clearly evident from His words as mentioned in verse 21.
St. Mary heard the word of God and performed her life accordingly. She led a life of complete surrender to God Almighty from her infant age till her last. She was so particular in identifying the words of God and surrendering herself to it. That is why God Almighty selected her to take an important role in His master plan of salvation of the entire mankind and the creation. Because of her innocent and divine participation in God’s master plan of salvation, she is honored as mother of God by the Churches and the faithful. From her childhood she heard the word of God and obeyed them with due respect and honor. When she received the great and unique message from God through Prophet Gabriel, she did not doubt it or disobeyed it. She grasped the message and stored in her mind. She had no complaints or confusions.
From the life of St. Mary, we all could learn how to hear the word of God. The modern man is lucky to have the words of God in black and white as the Holy Bible. By reading and learning and meditating one could hear the word of God. Now let us think how many of us do hear the word of God and do identify them as it is from God Almighty. Let us make use of the God given opportunities to study and meditate His words and messages.
1. St. Mary was humble and moderate in her words, deeds and thoughts. Let us make her our role model in obeying God and His words as well as Instructions.
2. St. Mary was obedient to God Can we follow her good nature? How many of us could be obedient to the laws and regulations or commandments?
3. St. Mary had the willingness to take up all challenges that faced her.
4. Nothing changed her faith in God Almighty. She faced all challenges with utmost faith and conviction.
5. St. Mary’s faith in God Almighty was so strong and solid.
6. St. Mary had great concern for the well- being of God and His begotten Son.
7. St, Mary remained hopeful and trustworthy to God’s will and pleasure.
By considering all these qualities of St. Mary, let us direct our lives simply identical of St. Mary, Mother of God. Let us try to copy down all these qualities in our lives
May God bless us all.
Jose Kurian Puliyeril
Kottayam.